…the traditional ruler urged Nigerian youths to embrace values such as hard work, honesty, and perseverance.
Enugu, Nigeria – The iNews Times reports that the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, has raised concerns over the rising involvement of young people in internet fraud, substance abuse, and other unlawful activities, driven by the pursuit of quick wealth.
Speaking during the South East Youth Assembly Summit held at the Enugu State House of Assembly complex, Igwe Asadu criticized the obsession with overnight riches, describing it as a destructive path that ultimately leads to personal and societal ruin.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace values such as hard work, honesty, and perseverance.
“The idea of quick and easy money is a dangerous illusion. There are consequences. Avoid social vices, drug abuse, and Yahoo Yahoo. These are unacceptable, and thankfully, our governor is taking strong measures to address them,” the monarch stated.
He also encouraged youths to believe in their abilities and to take active roles in shaping their communities and governance. According to him, those who remain focused and principled will eventually emerge as leaders.
The summit, themed “Governance: A Corporate Responsibility of Government and Citizens,” brought together various stakeholders to discuss the importance of collaborative governance.
Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, echoed the theme, emphasizing that governance should be a shared responsibility between leaders and the populace.
“Power doesn’t reside solely with elected officials. It must be shared with the people. While the government sets the pace through policies and infrastructure, citizens must engage, participate, and demand accountability,” Onyia said.
Also addressing the gathering, Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Assembly in Enugu State, Fidelis Ugwu, described the summit as a strategic initiative aimed at narrowing the gap between government and the governed.
He acknowledged that socioeconomic pressures often push some youths toward crime, particularly citing unemployment as a key factor.
“Not every young person who commits a crime does so out of desire. Many are victims of circumstance. Survival instinct takes over. But despite this, there are still lawful and meaningful ways to survive,” Ugwu explained.
He further appealed to the state government to take urgent action to address the security challenges in Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo local government areas, labeling the situation a “national emergency.”
