Stakeholders and youth mentors met in Enugu last week to encourage youths on what they need to thrive in challenging times.
They were told that integrity defined as doing the right thing even when no one is watching, is a sustainable option.
Speaker after speaker maintained that cutting corners to get ahead does not ultimately win the battle for survival.
The speakers addressed youths gathered to listen to speeches in commemoration of 2023 International Youth Day with the provocative theme, “Who Integrity Epp?”
The venue was the New Biomedical Hall of the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy in the Coal City.
The theme of this years gathering is Green Skills For Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. The event however featured a strong presentation and support for the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).
The POCACOV perspective
Chairman of Enugu POCACOV Volunteer Club, Chinedu Ugbam, told the youths gathered at the event that it always looks like doing the wrong thing pays but it does not.
It may appear that integrity does not pay because those without integrity seem to be excelling, he noted.
“However, you should not be bothered as they will soon fade away and no one will like to associate with them.
“Be rest assured that integrity and excellence are like two brothers. Those who don’t have integrity and excellent behaviours in the society will certainly want to associate with you because they know what it is all about.
“I am here to challenge all of you to stick to integrity by acquiring reputable skills and activities which promote integrity and excellence needed to build sustainable communities and cities.
Youth frame of mind
Executive Director Heroine Women Foundation and President Women Support Women, Mrs Onyinye Mama, praised POCACOV for its youth engagement programmes nationwide.
She said its critical to keep young people in the right frame of mind to promote functional and sustainable communities.
She told the youths that the reward for integrity hardly comes spontaneously but those who persevere reap the rewards.
“Integrity comes in words, actions and thought.
“Your thoughts affect your integrity, your words mould your integrity and your action qualifies your integrity.
Those who don’t give up or compromise but accept the challenges, cope with it and overcome it become the champions.
She challenged government and private agencies to design sustainable frameworks that encourage the transfers and bequeathing of relevant skills to the youth.
What youths need to thrive
POCACOV National Coordinator, CSP Ebere Amaraizu, was represented by an adviser from the POCACOV Resource Centre Abuja, Rev Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu.
He described the event as an example of the POCACOV INSPIRE programme activity. The aim is to promote positive behaviours in children and young persons, encourage change of attitude, and build skills amongst our young persons in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
He admonished young persons to focus on skills and urged stakeholders to assist by transferring knowledge and skills to enable youths focus on values over materialism.
Another participant, Chidubem Nwaibe appreciated POCACOV for hosting the event for youths.
He encouraged similar platforms created for dialogue and collaboration “where wisdom and experiences of older generations meet fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of the youth.”
In particular, he suggested that such regular discussions be supported with follow-up actions and establishment of working groups dedicated towards addressing specific challenges faced by youth.
Sustainable development will become possible when we create an inclusive and supportive environment for all young people, Nwaibe said.
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