The Student Christian Movement (SCM), a Non-Denominational Christian body, has appealed to the Federal and State Governments to develop strategies to create more employment opportunities for youth in the country.
Mrs Ebere Ubesie, the National President of SCM in Nigeria made the call during the 19th Biennial Conference held in Port Harcourt.
Ubesie, who is also the Treasurer of the world Students Christian Federation (WSCF), said one of the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy is youth unemployment.
“We are using this medium to raise our voices with concern over what is happening in our constituency which is our youths. The fact is that a nation cannot grow without responsible youths.
“This is why we are appealing to government at all levels to prepare sound policies to end violence, killings, abduction of students in their schools, unemployment among others.
“We are calling on government to build industries and also create enabling environment for foreign investors to invest in our country so that our youths can be employed,” she said.
She said that the SCM has provided youth outreach in Nigeria to prepare students for societal transformation.
Ubesie advised youths not to engage in violence of any kind.
”Our advice is that the youth should stay away from thuggery, cultism, robbery, rape, drug peddling, kidnapping among others.
”The group is currently creating an opening with the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) on voter education. Our youths will be counselled not to get involved in violence but t ensure that they their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) to vote good leaders that will lead the country,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Samuel Ogan, the former President of the group said that SCM has played an active role in the campaign against cultism and other social vices in the society.
The group he added had won many youths back as better citizens.
Ogan called on government and other relevant agencies to support the campaign against insecurity, terrorism against humanity in the country.
He urged the youths to desist from criminal activities and hopeless adventures that could destabilise the country.
Similarly, Mr Wisdom Owen, the Newly Elected President of the Group in Rivers Sector assured that the SCM in Rivers will continue to produce responsible youths that will contribute meaningfully to the development of the country. (NAN)
