Edesili Anani Urges Youths to Shun Violence, Promote Nation Building

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

Mrs. Edesili Anani, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, has stressed the need for youth to shun violence and other social vices that hinder growth and nation building.

She stated this during a meeting with the representatives from the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Edo State, at Government House, Benin City.

Mrs. Anani emphasized the importance of embracing a violence-free society and supporting initiatives that promote nation building.

She appreciated the delegates for their visit and for being passionate about governance, “it is good to know that we have youths who are passionate about governance and supportive of this Government. I am optimistic you all make positive impact, the future of every nation, and the state lies in your hands”.

She advised the representatives to be ambassadors of nation building, as it is important for growth and development.

“We are still trying to combat cultism, which is prevalent among youths. We also face issues like rape, internet fraud, and these problems are all too common in this part of the country. It is up to you to educate your fellow youths and make them understand that these issues cannot continue. It can not be business as usual”.

Mrs Anani further stated, ” in this administration led by Senator Monday Okpebholo’s, we are building a new Edo, and we want you to discuss these issues society ills in your meetings. Without a safe environment, even businesses struggle to thrive”.

His Excellency, want to empower youths who will take up leadership roles, youths who know what they are doing. In your meetings, your advocacy should focus on questions like How do we build our State? and What do we want to offer to our state as leaders of tomorrow ? Your leadership should prioritize sensitizing the youths.

Mrs. Anani further noted that women empowerment, goes beyond the traditional skills acquisition like soap-making, bead-making, fashion designing, and others. She explained that this administration is working to empower women in ICT, introduce adult education, and promote causes that support women and girls.

The Office’s policy of engagement is the bottom-up, to ensure meaningful impact.
She added that it would start with sensitization on hygiene, self-awareness, and establishing the Pad-Bank project, among others for the girl-child.The boy-child are not left behind and can support the girl-child.

The State Chairman, Comrade Moses Agwinede, appreciated Mrs. Anani for her warm reception and also for her impacts in the State.

He also highlighted the responsibilities that their Association has played overtime, including youth empowerment amongst others.

The State Chairman stated, “I want to thank you for your open-door policy . The National Youth Council of Nigeria is responsible for advocating for the welfare of Nigerian youths. We want to use this medium to congratulate His Excellency, the distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his achievements in the last hundred days in office. We have never seen this type of practical governance at play in Edo.

We are here to tell him that we will continue to support him and work hand-in-hand with his office to ensure his success”.

“We are here to collaborate with your office, and to let you know that we are ready to work hand-in-hand with you to ensure our Governor succeeds. We believe that through collaboration, we can ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt everywhere in Edo State”, he added.

The Treasurer of the Association, Miss Oghomwen Omoruyi, on her part, specifically highlighted the Association’s goals in women’s empowerment, ICT amongst others.

She also stressed the need to collaborate with the Office of the First Lady, to promote education and empowerment in rural communities, particularly among young girls and request support for their project called “Pad a Girl,” which aims to provide sanitary pads to underprivileged girls in the rural communities.