CRK/IRK: Gov Bago tasks religious institutions on moral trainings

…Set to end rising cases of thuggery, youths restiveness

As part of efforts to curb the rising cases of thuggery and youth restiveness in parts of the state, the Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago has over the weekend emphasized the need for proper moral trainings in all public primary and secondary schools across the state, adding that “Niger is a circular state”.

He also called on parents and religious institutions to act swiftly in ensuring that the lives of the youths are channelled towards productivity.

The Governor stated this when he declared open this year’s annual conference of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International at the cathedral Church of St. John, Bida, Niger state.

While disclosing that parental care and good moral upbringing are the antidotes towards addressing the growing wave of crimes, thuggery and restiveness among the youths in the society, the Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public, Private Partnership (PPP) and the former Commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa pointed out that the religious institutions in the country has a crucial task in bridging the gap in the moral training of our youths.

Governor Bago disclosed that the reintroduction of the teaching of both Christians Religion Studies (CRS) and the Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) in public schools in the state was a deliberate step by his administration to encourage good moral training and inculcate the fear of God in our youths.

According to him, “my administration recognizes the importance of teaching of religious studies in our public schools, I know it helps in moulding and shaping the lives of our youths.

“The absence of proper moral upbringing is hugely responsible for the growing rates of all forms of social vices among our Youths”.

The Governor while assuring the Christian community in the state of equal treatment, stressed that “Niger State is a secular state and the two major religions in the state will get fair and equal treatment.

“We have reintroduced the teaching of the two main religions in our public schools as a step towards ensuring equity, justice and fairness for all. There will be no discrimination”.

The Governor then announced the donation of N10million to the Nupe Christian Fellowship International.

Earlier, the President of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International, Jacob G. Tsado commended the Governor for the infrastructural transformation of the state in the last two years, saying that he has demonstrated leadership.

He said the annual Nupe Christian Fellowship International is an umbrella organization that enforce unity among Nupe Christians, pointing out that “the annual conference is an event that promote spiritual and socio-economic revival of members”.