Youths of Imo State have been charged to rise against any obstacle that militates their chances of calving a niche for themselves in the state and indulge in politics and governance while shunning political thuggery, violence, rape, hard-drug, but acquire skills that can make them more productive and relevant.
This charge was given by the Bishop and Founder of Divine World International COGIC, Bishop Kenneth Obi (The People’s Bishop), in his good will message at the 2022 Imo Youth Conference, held at the Pastoral Centre, Owerri, last week. The theme of the conference is “Imo Youth Arise, Shun Harddrugs, Violence, Thuggery, Rape- Skill Acquisition is the Key”.
Bishop Obi who reminded the youth of the need to live godly life style, rise in unison to fight for their rights, participate actively in politics and governance to calve a niche for themselves, as well as strengthen the society positively, urged them to always speak against atrocities associated with bad leadership, greed, fraud and moral corruption perpetrated by those they voted into power, frowning that the people are not rising against bad governance and evils bedeviling the society hence politicians keep doing nonsense with governance.
“The youth of Imo State need to do something to stop bad leadership which plagues the society by speaking truth to power and stop waiting for nothing. 2023 is time to do something. Exodus chapter 14 vs 15, says, God told Moses to tell the people to go forward. At the time they went through the Red Sea- they were waiting for God to do something, but God said, no, you have the ability to do something, so that you can move forward. It is not what God can do for us, but what we can do for ourselves. Stand up for righteousness because there is no comparison between light and darkness, for when light shines in darkness, darkness will disappear immediately. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach”, Bishop Obi emphasized.
Stating that the conference was geared to bring Imo youths together to enlighten them on the need to rise and fight for their rights to better their future, the Convener of the Imo Youth Conference 2022 and a presenter with Ozisa Radio, Mazi Theordoe Chinonso Uba, enjoined them to shun anti social conduct especially aiding and abetting ill- politicians to rig election and steal the treasury of the state to enrich themselves, families and cronies at the expense of the masses who till the soil and thereby retarding development, social and economic success of the society.
“Imo youths should rise for their rights and not allow yourselves to be used by ill- politicians to carry ballot boxes during election. Shun vices like rape, violence, drug abuse and do not be lazy nor procrastinate. Strive to acquire relevant skills that will enable you to engage in productive trade or activities. Ignore any politician who does not have the interest of youths and masses at heart and such a politician should not even think of coming out for any elective position in 2023 or beyond”, Uba cautioned.
Admonishing the youth on active participation in politics and leadership, discarding kidnapping, armed robbery and intake of harddrug among other anti social conducts, a Community Worker, Dr. (Mrs) Marjorie Ezihe, the Legal Officer, NDLEA, Imo State, Dr. Femi Daniel, Executive Director, Africa Center for Corporate Responsibility, Abuja, Dr. Austin Onuoha and a Legal Blogger, Dr. Prince Joel, pointed out that when youths who are major catalysts for society good, development and security effectively take up their responsibilities, stand up firm for their rights and occupy positions of authority goodness and riches will fall in their places or directions for a better, peace and comfort driven society for all persons.
With the Chairman, Planning Committee, Imo Youth Conference 2022, Duru Ositadimma Michael, appreciating all for gracing the memorable and thought provoking seminar. Drama was presented to entertain the audiences, as well as caution them against ill- gotten wealth, drugging and anti social behaviors.
