The Bayelsa State government has appealed to youths to desist from cultism, killings and other crimes capable of hindering development.
According to him, the Seriake Dickson-led government has robust empowerment programmes for youths in agriculture, tourism and entertainment, and urged youngsters to take advantage of the opportunities. According to him, such programmes were necessary to positively engage the youths and promote peace ahead of the November 2 governorship election.
“So, the ministry is trying to organise programmes that will regularly bring people together for regular interactions. We are designing programmes that will, as much as possible, reduce the perceived violence. “Instead of trying to reach Bayelsans to vote for them, they are rather preparing young people for violence. What we will be doing as a ministry is to dissuade the young people from applying violence in the elections.