From Idu Jude, Abuja
The federal government has been taken to task over its massive funding of antiterrorism operations across the country, with calls that such funds should be channelled into youth development through the Scout Association of Nigeria.
The association’s CEO, Dave Padopads Awunah, made this remark in Abuja on Thursday at a press conference to usher in the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Scout Parade and presidential awards ceremony.
Over N200 billion already spent in fighting terrorism activities in Nigeria, according to him, should be channelled instead into youth development.
Mr Awunah, pointing out the dangers of youth neglects in society, said that what the country faces today in regard to terrorism would be child’s play compared to what is to come in the next 5 years if something drastic is not done to address the youth empowerment and unemployment.
He said that the efforts of his association are to help build the Nigerian youth by helping the federal government fight terrorism.
“Sadly,” he said “scouting has over the years diminished to the disadvantage of young people and the nation. The clear absence of the role of scouting in tailoring the minds of young people is clearly shown up n the inexplicable crises of youth mismanagement, vices like secret cultism, terrorism, fraud, human trafficking and vital human organs, drug abuse, trafficking of human in prostitution have reduced”
He remarked that the association will use this year’s annual scout parade to seek help from the federal government and the FCT for about 1000 hectares of land to build its training village which will comprise a recreation park as well as other activities for youth development.
He said this year’s parade activity will also include the installation of President Buhari as the grand patron of the association, among other activities.