By Gloria Abutu
Stakeholders at a town hall meeting organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Yola, Adamawa State, have emphasized the importance of rewarding hard work and good practices while penalizing offenders of social vices.
The engagement, themed “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values, and National Development,” brought together security personnel, religious and traditional leaders, women’s societies, youths, and other groups to address pressing societal issues.
Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, C.P. Dankombo-Morris, represented by DCP Fakeye Olubunmi Olubode emphasized the importance of legitimate livelihoods and the dignity of labour.
He charged parents to instill moral values in their children and wards, urging them to guide the younger generation toward ethical behaviour and meaningful contributions to society.
Similarly, the Adamawa Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. George T. Lawal, called for value reorientation.
He urged participants to de-emphasize the quest for wealth accumulation and instead promote integrity and contentment.
Highlighting the security challenges in Adamawa, Mr. A.J. Adesina of the State Security Service noted that the state’s vast ungoverned spaces make it vulnerable to criminal activities.
He advocated for increased security consciousness, prompt crime reporting, and citizens’ participation in addressing youth gangsterism and religious extremism.
He also called for incentives to encourage crime reporting, emphasizing the indispensable role of the public in sustaining peace and security.
Earlier, acting state Director of NOA, Richard Bala Dangari, explained that the meeting aimed to tackle issues of security, “get-rich-quick” mentality, tax reforms, human rights, and HIV/AIDS.
While pointing out that taxation is essential for economic growth, he highlighted the benefits of the tax reform bills and urged Nigerians to trust and support government policies for the benefit of all and sundry.
He appealed for collaboration and support of the public to create a healthy, secure, ethical and united society.
Mr. Dangari urged participants to disseminate the discussions in their communities to promote awareness for sustainable growth .
Stakeholders at the event collectively underscored the importance of recognizing positive contributions and addressing crimes effectively to foster discipline and ethical behaviour for national development.
