EBONYI
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed worry over the menace of child soldiers across states of the federation, urging citizens to eschew violence, killings and promote the peace and oneness of the country.
Dr Desmond Onwo, Agency’s Director in Ebonyi gave the advised in Abakaliki on Thursday during his visit to the members of the Muslim Community and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state.
Onwo, who was accompanied by members of NAO’s Officials said the aim of the campaign was to deeply educate the citizens on the danger of arms carrying, especially the young children.
He noted that no problem could be solve with gun carrying or by violence and urged the citizens to embrace peace and oneness.
“Nigeria is one and we should learn to live as one and live like a nation,” he stressed.
The Director further explained that the visit to CAN and Muslim group on war against child-soldiers was part of NOA’s public enlightenment for a better Nigeria.
“This is because, the federal government is deeply worrying over the unusual development in the country, especially on state of insecurity.
“The much worrisome is the issue of the use of gun among people, especially the young persons. The dangers are everywhere; child soldiers everywhere in the country and terrors everywhere in the country.
“We have been asked to meet with religious leaders in various states. We are very aware that child soldiers has escalated in the country and there is need for a serious campaign to end such act of children carrying gun.
“Our children should not be allowed to be misled. No problem can be solved by the use of gun,” he advised.
On the general elections, Onwo urged the the religious leaders to also educate their members on the need to collect their Permanent Votes’ Card (PVC) in order vote for the candidate of their choice.
Rev Scamb Nwokoro, Vice-Chairman of CAN in the state condemned the incessant killing of citizens across state of the federation and called for brotherly love for our neighbours.
“We have preaching and we won’t stop until we build a nation that all of us will be proud of.
“On insecurity in the country, i must blame the porosity of the boarder in the northern part.
“One, our government should also avoid the lackadaisical attitude towards the fight against insecurity in the country,” Nwokoro advised.
Alhaji Danjuma Gambo, Sarkin of Hausa Community in Ebonyi, commended NOA on the campaign exercise on war against child soldiers in the country and promised support to reach with members in the state.