Dr Chinedu Nneji, the Commandant-General, National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC), has advised Nigerian youths to devote their energy and skills to the promotion of peace and development of Nigeria.
Nneji spoke in Abuja on Sunday at the Thanksgiving Service at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral Parish (Catholic Church) to mark the passage of the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill by the National Assembly.
Nneji said youths played crucial roles in addressing issues bothering on insecurity and promoting the development of any country.
“The youths have great energy and intelligence to forment trouble or make peace. It is important for the youths to know that causing crisis will not benefit anyone, including them.
“The youths need to channel their energy and intelligence to whatever can promote peace and development of Nigeria’’, Nneji said.
Nneji said the bill establishing the corps, when assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, would further create employment for Nigerians and promote peace.
He stressed that the corps needed youths with unquestionable character.
Nneji said that he and officials of NUPEC were in the church to appreciate God for His support and favour that led to the passage of the bill.
“We are also using the opportunity to pray that God will continue to lead the corps to success.’’
Nneji said they were also at the National Mosque on Friday to also appreciate God on the journey so far.
He also commended Nigerians for their support.
NAN recalls that the National Assembly on Thursday passed the Bill to Establish the Nigerian Peace Corps 2016.
The bill, which was sponsored by the Senate leader (APC-Borno South), Sen. Mohammed Ndume, was first read at plenary session on March 10, 2016.
The bill seeks to empower, develop and provide gainful employment for the youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism, community service, neighbourhood watch and nation building. (NAN)