Shun Violence and Promote Nation Building: Edo First Lady Urges Youths.

Shun Violence and Promote Nation Building: Edo First Lady Urges Youths.

The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has urged the youths to shun violence and other social vices that hinder growth and nation building.

Mrs. Anani emphasized the importance of embracing a violence-free society and supporting initiatives that promote nation building during a meeting with representatives from the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State, at Government House, Benin City,

In her speech, Mrs. Anani 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 have always said that you are the future of tomorrow, the future of every nation, and the state lies in your hands.’

Advocating for change in the narrative of the State, 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 cannot be business as usual.’

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 the administration is working to empower women in ICT, introduce adult education, and promote causes that support women and girls.

She added that it would start with sensitization on hygiene, self-awareness, and establishing the Pad-Bank project, among others for the girl-child. 

Mrs. Anani also emphasized the need to involve the boy-child in these efforts, so they are not left behind and can support the girl-child.

Similarly, the Leader of the delegation who is also the State Chairman, Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph, 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.

‘i want to thank you for your open-door policy and for receiving us today. The 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, and we are ready and hoping that his achievements will continue. 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, to tell you what we do, 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.’

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.

According to her, they plan to focus on four local governments in Benin City and request support for a project called “Pad a Girl,” which aims to provide sanitary pads to underprivileged girls in the rural communities.