Minister of women affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has called on parents to be responsible towards their children as a means of peace building in the society.
The minister made the call at a 1-Day National Stakeholders Forum on-”Parenting for Peace Preventing Violent Extremism”, organised by Mercy Corps, a civil society organisation, in Abuja.
Citing insurgency and terrorism as major threats to the nation’s peace, Tallen said there is no better time for a peace forum than now.
She also spoke on the need for parents and caregivers to be responsible towards their children and wards, saying the youths are mostly use to perpetrate violent and “evil” acts in the society.
Tallen, however, cited unemployment, poverty and dwindling economy as some of the reasons for youth restiveness and anti social behaviours.
“I encourage our fathers, mothers and caregivers to create the much needed time to monitor the activities of their children and wards, to particularly know the type of company they keep, usage of internet facilities amongst others.
“We must create the enabling environment for our children to grow and thrive, and to harness their potentials in a that will enable them lead productive lives to self actualisation and contribute meaningfully to nation building,” she added.
On her part, the acting country director of Mercy Corps, Mrs Adesola Osuji, who represented the Country director, Mr Ndubuisi Anyanwu, stated the the role of women in peace building cannot be over emphasised, noting that the terrorists act in the country can be impacted by positive actions at the home front.
Also, deputy chief of party, Mercy Corps, Sani Suleiman, called of government and religious bodies to intensity awareness on the roles and responsibilities of Parenthood.
A participant, Zainab Ali Musa from Kano State, identified poverty as a major reason for youth restiveness. She also tasked the government on quality education for the youths and empowerment programmes for women.
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