The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has admonished the Muslim faithful to commit themselves to the Holy Prophet’s injunction on peace, tolerance, charity and generosity to the less privileged.
The Governor, while felicitating with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s, Eid-el-Kabir, called on the youths in the state and elsewhere in Nigeria to shun all negative acts capable of putting them and the nation into trouble.
Ortom in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary,Terver Akase
called for sustained sacrifice and encouraged Benue people to always place the state and country above personal interests so as to complement government’s efforts in building the society of their dreams.
He urged the people to take advantage of the COVID-19 period which has accorded them more time to spend with their families to promote values that seek to guide the younger generation against societal ills.
The Governor stated that the family is the first school for any human being and as such, parents and guardians owe their children the duty of teaching them to avoid cultism, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as criminal activities while imbibing the virtues of love, honesty and the fear of God.
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He counseld young men and women who engage in armed robbery, cult related acts and kidnapping to turn a new leaf and save their future from destruction.
He cautioned that cases of COVID-19 are rising saying “it is important that the people adhere strictly to the protocol on prevention of the virus such as physical distancing, the use of face masks and alcohol based sanitizers at worship centres, markets and other public places.
He restated the commitment of the State Government to the safety of lives and property, as meaningful development can only take place in an atmosphere devoid of violence.
Ortom further commended the police and other security agencies for the rescue of kidnap victims in the state and other successes recorded in the fight against crime.
He also appreciated the Benue people for the support given to his administration and security operatives through intelligence gathering which leads to the arrest of suspects for prosecution.
