By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Government has urged indigenous students not to allow the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) sway them into antisocial tendencies that would destroy their bright destinies.
It urged them to pursue worthwhile goals capable of enhancing their learning and sound character in and out of school for a better future.
The State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stated this while granting audience separately to the National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) Worldwide, and students of Sagbama Local Government origin studying at the Federal University, Otuoke in Government House, Yenagoa.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi and made available to our correspondent, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor described studentship as a veritable foundation for sustainable development of any people and their society.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo reminded the students that the greatest social assets of any individual are good character and integrity, stressing that “bad character is like a flat tyre which cannot take anyone far in life.”
The state number two man advised the students to take their academics seriously and strive to become better than their parents and guardians.
He insisted that students would be doing themselves and society a whole lot of good if they shun social vices including cultism, rape and drug-abuse.
Responding to NUBSS’ request for sponsorship to enable them campaign against cultism in secondary schools, the Deputy Governor urged them to tackle the menace from its roots by preaching the message of repentance to their undergraduate colleagues, who are into cult activities.
Speaking separately, the President of the National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) Worldwide, Comrade Yenne Ebobra-Dennis, explained that their visit was to formally introduce the new executive members of the students’ body to the Deputy Governor.
The NUBSS President also solicited government’s support for their proposed behaviour change communication campaigns to primary and secondary schools across the eight local government areas in the state.
On his part, the President of the Sagbama Local Government Students, Federal University, Otuoke chapter, Comrade Sylvester Agbalaje, appealed to the State Government to support their information, communication and technology (ICT) skills acquisition project.
