The way and manner in which some young people comport themselves in this present generation needs much to be desired.
While some of them are hard working and very much committed to their cause of succeeding in life, many others are either lazy or involved in crime and other nefarious activities.
Most young people in the habit of doing dubious things often fail to realise that crimes can harm communities, create a culture of fear and damage the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people, as well as properties.
These are some of the major risk factors that increase the chances of young people committing crimes such as troubled home life, poor attainment at school, truancy and school exclusion, drug or alcohol misuse and mental illness, peer group pressure, just to name a few.
Our young people need to know that the future of this country lies in their safe hands. However, if they fail to be responsible by laying a good foundation our future would be in bleak.
It's sad that a day hardly pass by without newspapers carrying one or more reported cases of crimes involving young people.
This is a very unfortunate situation, and we therefore challenge the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Youth Council and other youth friendly organisations to come up with more community outreach programmes to create the much-needed awareness among our youths.
We also urge the parents, teachers and guardians to continue to play their parental role in the nurturing and upbringing of the young ones.
Young people are also therefore challenged to take their learning seriously, while those out of school comport well and rededicate themselves to become responsible future leaders. They should also venture into productive ventures such as carpentry, plumbing, metal work, tailoring, and construction, among others so as to contribute their quota to nation-building.
Finally, our youths must endeavour to respect elders.
