Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Dennis Idahosa on Sunday urged young people to shun vices and adopt responsible elders as role models that can help them add value to the society.

He made this call at the Youth Harvest and Thanksgiving of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin City where he said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to providing the right and conducive environment for both human and economic development of the state.

Idahosa who was accompanied to the event by prominent politicians including the member of the House of Representatives for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon Omosede Igbinedion, a former member for the Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon Razaq Belo-Osagie, serving commissioners and members of the cabinet said young people must deploy their energies positively for a better society.

Idahosa said the theme, “Harvest of Abundance: Favour Without Limits,” was a timely reminder of the favour of God.

“To our dear youths, you are not only the future of the Church and our society,you are the present. The decisions you make today will determine the tomorrow you inherit. I therefore urge you to shun every form of social vice, including cultism, kidnapping, drug abuse, internet fraud, violence, and all activities that can undermine your God-given potential.

“Instead, devote yourselves to education, vocational skill,entrepreneurship, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. Build strong character, respect your parents and elders, remain steadfast in your faith, and surround yourselves with people who inspire you to become better citizens and responsible leaders.”

He said the administration of Governor Okpebholo, remained “committed to creating opportunities that empower our young people. Through programmes that promote skills development, entrepreneurship, employment, innovation, and a business- friendly environment, we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

“Our vision is clear: to raise a generation of Edo youths who are job creators rather than job seekers, innovators rather than imitators, and responsible leaders who will drive the progress of our dear State and our nation.”

In his homily, Rev. Father Godwin Obe said leaders must be compassionate to the people as demonstrated by Jesus Christ when he fed 5000 men besides women and children even when his disciples advised him to send them away.

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