The Gombe State Controller of Corrections, Salihu Abdullahi, has issued a fervent plea to religious leaders to shift their focus from prosperity-driven sermons to messages emphasizing the fear of God and the virtue of contentment, especially among young people. Abdullahi’s concern stems from the alarming number of young inmates within Gombe’s correctional facilities. Over 1,250 individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 are currently incarcerated, a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and the allure of quick riches. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of instilling a sense of ethical responsibility and moral grounding in the younger generation. The Controller’s appeal coincided with the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) one-day stakeholders’ engagement focusing on security consciousness and ethical living, a timely event commemorating Human Rights Day.
The Controller, represented by Superintendent of Corrections Abdulhamid Aji, stressed the collective responsibility of society in guiding young people away from criminal activities. He directly addressed religious leaders, questioning their role in shaping the moral compass of their congregations. The prevalence of young offenders highlights a potential gap in moral instruction and guidance, prompting Abdullahi’s pointed query regarding the content and impact of religious sermons. The sheer number of incarcerated youth—1,250 across six custodial centers—paints a grim picture of a generation grappling with moral dilemmas, potentially swayed by the allure of instant gratification and the pressures of a materialistic society. This demographic demands immediate attention and intervention to prevent further escalation of youth involvement in criminal activities.
Abdullahi’s call to action extends beyond religious leaders, advocating for a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders, including the NOA. He proposed the establishment of NOA desk offices within correctional facilities, aiming to provide re-orientation programs for incarcerated youth. This proactive approach seeks to rehabilitate young offenders and equip them with the necessary values and skills to reintegrate into society as productive and law-abiding citizens. The engagement of the NOA signifies the importance of a structured, institutional approach to addressing the root causes of youth criminality and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
The NOA’s involvement in the stakeholders’ engagement, led by State Director Adaline Waye-Patari, reinforces the government’s commitment to human rights and the dignity of every individual. Her address emphasized the importance of these principles as cornerstones of a just and equitable society. Waye-Patari reiterated the government’s dedication to eliminating discrimination, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring fundamental freedoms for all citizens. She highlighted existing efforts such as strengthening legal frameworks against human rights violations, addressing gender-based violence and child trafficking, and establishing support centers for survivors of abuse and violence. The collaboration with civil societies and promotion of constitutional awareness further demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and ensuring every citizen understands their rights and responsibilities.
Other key stakeholders contributing to the dialogue included Ali Alfinti, Public Relations Officer of the National Human Rights Commission, and Hassan Saidu, Head of Investigation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Gombe Zonal Office. Alfinti underscored the importance of mutual respect as a prerequisite for peaceful coexistence, arguing that respecting the rights of others is fundamental to maintaining harmony within society. He emphasized that dehumanizing others invariably disrupts peace and advocated for proactive measures to promote security through respect for human rights. Saidu, on the other hand, drew attention to the detrimental influence of social media on financial crime, particularly the rise of advance-fee fraud in the region. He highlighted the need for heightened security awareness regarding ATM usage and the protection of National Identity Numbers (NINs) as crucial steps in mitigating these evolving threats.
The converging perspectives of these stakeholders, from corrections officials to human rights advocates and law enforcement agencies, underscore the complexity of the issues surrounding youth crime and the need for a multi-pronged approach to address them. The Controller’s impassioned plea to religious leaders, coupled with the NOA’s commitment to citizen re-orientation, highlights the critical role of ethical and moral grounding in shaping a just and secure society. The insights shared by the human rights commission and the EFCC further illuminate the challenges posed by evolving societal trends and technological advancements, necessitating a proactive and adaptable approach to security and crime prevention. Ultimately, the collective efforts of these stakeholders aim to create a more secure and equitable environment where the rights of all individuals, especially the vulnerable youth population, are protected and respected.
