Mr Signor Idiege, the Cross River Commissioner for Youths Development and Skills Acquisition, has advised youths in the state to shun vices because they are positive change makers.
Idiege said this while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the International Youth Day (IYD) 2022 in Calabar on Friday.
IYD is an awareness day designated by the UN to draw attention to cultural and legal issues surrounding the youth.
The theme for the 2022 celebration is “International Solidarity: Creating a World for all Age”.
He urged the youth to disallow a few mischief makers from using them as crises peddlers, saying that ”they are the future of the state and indeed the nation”.
“Governance of the state will soonest be your responsibility and so, you ought to be prepared for it.
“While the 2023 general elections draw closer, I will advise you as youths to distinguish yourselves as agents of positive change and as those who have recognised the importance of youthfulness in development of the society.
“I appeal to you to shun all forms of thuggery and vices. Pursue your dreams with all diligence and you will see yourselves soaring in success,” he said.
Idiege wished the youth a successful celebration and urged them to carry out every activity with decorum and respectability.