Comrade Asari Kerry Organises Youths Interactive Session
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
Comrade Asari Timipere
The Technical Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State On Grassroots Mobilization and Youths, Comrade Asari Timipere Kerry has organized an interactive session with selected Youth Leaders at the Conference Hall of his office, Secretariat Annex 2.
In his welcome address, the Technical Adviser, Comrade Asari Timipere Kerry said kidnapping and attacks on people particularly expatriate staff of Multinational Companies operating in the state is perpetrated by the youths who are mostly under the influence of hard drugs.
He noted that such unwholesome activities creates insecurity and have scared away investors, which informed him to organise the interactive session to sensitize the youths on the harmful effect of drug abuse, and the need to live a drug free life.
Speaking in his capacity as the Chairman of the occasion, member representing Ekeremor Constituency1, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who double as the House Committee Chairman On Youth and Sports, Hon.Barr. Tare Porri stated that Governor Douye Diri has charged them to raise youths to take over leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the country at large.
The Chairman of the occasion stressed that deliberate measures will be taken to create platforms for youth engagement with the government adding that Governor Douye Diri is willing to support the youths as evident in the appointment of many youths in the prosperity administration.
He advised them to avoid pull him down syndrome, protect and stop de-marketing the state and avoid acts inimical to societal development.
The Guest Speaker, Dr.Faith Izibenua Zibs Godwin, Chairperson Bayelsa State Drug Abuse Prevention And Rehabilitation Committee said His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri set up her committee to sensitize the youths on the harmful and destructive effects of drug abuse particularly hard drugs.
She explained that youths are lured into taken drugs by peer pressure, lack of parental care, and frustration.
Dr.Faith Izibenua Zibs Godwin dwelled extensively on the usefulness of various drugs, classes which according to her include stimulant, depressant and halocinogins. She informed that some of the drugs when taken distort their sense of reasoning, give them false courage and security.
She identified the harmful effects of drugs to include brain damage, heart failure, kidney, lungs, the central nervous system, respiratory system, loss of coordination, psychiatric problems among others and advised youths to avoid taking hard drugs. She informed that her office will soon embark on local government sensitization tour to engage the youths on the consequences of drug abuse.
Also speaking, the Director General Centre for Youth Development Bayelsa State, enjoined youths to note that drugs do not add anything good to them saying that any investment without gain is not a worthwhile venture.He advised the youths to learn skills that will make them self reliant.
On his part a former youth leader and current 2nd Vice President Izon National Congress, Chief Nengi Eriworioyo James hinted that drug abuse is very dangerous and advised the youths to become change agents to campaign against illicit taking of drugs at the grassroots .
The revered Chief urged the state government to separate the youth from the sports ministry as it has overshadowed the youths .
Others that made contributions include, Chairman Bayelsa State Volunteers, MOSIEND Central Zone Information Officer, IYC Chairman Ogbia Clan, Chairman Bayelsa State Waterways Security, T.K, Meeting Tamaranmieyefa, Speaker Bayelsa State Youths Parliament, RT. Hon. Austin Timilaimi, IYC Eduweni Clan Chairman, Endurance Konyefa. They appeal to the state government to create jobs to engage the youths in order to take them away from crime and criminality.
