By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Lokoja Youth Advancement Forum (LYSF) has held a sensitization rally in Lokoja, calling on youths to shun social vices and embrace meaningful ventures.
The rally, led by the Forum Chairman, Comrade Musa Abbas, began from Nataco and moved through Adankolo to Ganaja Junction before members paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Maigari of Lokoja.
Residents of the areas visited applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary in view of the growing need to guide young people towards productive activities.
The participants carried placards with different inscriptions promoting peace, unity, education, and the need for youths to reject cultism, drug abuse, theft, and other criminal acts.
Addressing the youths at the palace, the Maigari of Lokoja, Dr. Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi, commended the forum for organizing the awareness campaign.
He urged youths in the area to stay away from social vices, advising them to go to school or learn a trade for a better future.
The royal father warned that any youth caught engaging in criminal activities would face the wrath of the law.
He also commended the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his efforts in maintaining security.
He further called on parents and community leaders to closely monitor their children and wards, stressing that moral upbringing remains key to building a better society.
In his remarks, the Garkuwan Matasa of Lokoja, Alhaji Abdulkareem Umar, thanked the Maigari for receiving the forum and advised youths to remain law-abiding, hardworking, and focused on their future.
He noted that youths have an important role to play in community development and should channel their energy into positive ventures that will uplift society.
Speaking to newsmen, the Forum Chairman, Comrade Musa Abbas, appreciated the Maigari for his fatherly support and assured that the forum would hand over any youth caught engaging in social vices to security agencies.
He also thanked members of the forum for their commitment and dedication.
Musa Abbas said the forum would continue to partner with traditional institutions, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to promote peace and youth empowerment in Lokoja.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Classic Ladies Association explained that the rally was aimed at promoting peace and discouraging criminal activities among youths.
She equally called on youths to shun social vices and become responsible citizens.
She urged young women in particular to remain focused, pursue education, and contribute positively to the growth of the community.
The rally ended peacefully with participants reaffirming their commitment to support efforts aimed at making Lokoja safer and more prosperous for all.
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