The Bwari Youth Forum in Abuja has cautioned youths against joining criminal gangs and engaging in anti social behaviours.

The forum’s president, John Awoyi, said in an interview on Wednesday in Bwari, that the appeal was necessary in view of the recent upsurge of criminal activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Awoyi said that the forum would conduct an intensive sensitisation campaign beginning from February, which would involve youths from all the political wards of the area council, to encourage them to acquire skills and shun criminality.

“We have already begun campaigns against criminalities like yahoo-yahoo, cultism and even joining kidnapping gangs in the area. This is because we have discovered that some of our youths, unfortunately, are informants for these evil beings.

“It is therefore our duty to engage them and discourage them from the dangers of belonging to such gangs as an excuse for making money,” stated Mr Awoyi.

The president added that the youths must know the effect insecurity and negative behaviours were having on their communities and society at large.

“We are working in collaboration with some NGOs and other relevant groups to brainstorm and create more youth engagement plans, where we will infuse critical talks on living in a crime-free community.

“We hope to use the avenue to also teach them how to empower themselves by teaching them various skills,” he added.

Mr Awoyi explained that some of the affiliate organisations involved in the plan had already registered over 500 youths for the skills training and empowerment.

He also gave a recap of the forum’s activities in 2023, saying nothing much was achieved due to shortage of funds and other economic challenges.

The president, however, said the association was able to secure scholarship opportunities for a good number of students in the area council.

He said it was a remarkable achievement, as it gave strength and encouragement to the beneficiaries to face their studies.

Mr Awoyi pledged that the forum would continue to engage government, individuals and organisations in promoting youth participation in endeavours that would positively impact their communities and the FCT. 

(NAN)