Patriotism, hardwork panacea for greatness, says NOA

Dr Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), says patriotism and hard work are panacea to attaining greatness in Nigeria.

Abari stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at a one day sensitisation program on Ethics and National core value for students in Nasarawa state.

Abari, who was represented by the Director in charge of Special Duties, Mrs Mette Edekobi also expressed concern over the high rate of drug abuse and indiscipline amongst youths.

He said the trend was harmful to youths.

“Vices of drug addiction indecent dressing, rape, cultism, armed robbery, election violence and exam malpractices today have strong grips on our youths.

“These vices can only destroy a person; there is no example in the world where vices have promoted anyone.

“The older generation, as responsible citizens must be concerned about the direction of the nation’s future as reflected in the attitudes of our youth.

Abari urged parents, school authorities and other stakeholders within the education system to play their roles in influencing students to imbibe the right values.

Also, Mr Saidu Salihu, Area Commander, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Nasarawa, said that more than 50 percent of crimes witness in the society were perpetrated by drugs addicts.

He urged the students to say “NO” to vices as studies have shown that vices can present seeming enjoyment “but such pleasure is only short-lived then give way for long term pains.’

Mrs Priscilla Gondoalor, Director, NOA, Nasarawa, however charged parents to guard their wards against being use by people of questionable characters to destroy the country.