Youths must shun cultism, prostitution, crimes, other harmful activities – Aleke warns 

By David Usman

Nigerian youths have been urged to shun cultism, prostitution, social influence,  criminal activities and other social vices capable of undermining their future and contributing to insecurity in the country.

A social commentator and novelist writer, Pharm. Pascal Chukwuemeka Aleke, made the call in an article titled “Gainful Laziness,” in which he also challenged parents and other stakeholders to play a more constructive role in guiding young people towards productive careers and responsible citizenship.

Aleke said parents should serve as the first mentors of their children rather than becoming sources of unnecessary pressure, stressing that children need guidance, encouragement and opportunities to discover their talents and interests.

According to him, parents should closely observe their children and help them develop careers that correspond with their abilities and passion instead of forcing them into professions based solely on parental preferences, family expectations or perceived financial rewards.

He illustrated his argument with the story of Icha, a young boy whose father initially regarded him as lazy because he was reluctant to engage in farming like his siblings.

In the story, Icha’s father repeatedly compelled him to work on the family farm until he eventually decided that the best “punishment” for his son was to send him to school.

Although Icha initially viewed the decision with mixed feelings, he eventually embraced education, progressing from primary school to secondary school and university.

Aleke noted that the story reflected the experiences of many Nigerian children whose career choices are sometimes determined by their parents rather than by their abilities, interests and aspirations.

He warned that forcing children into careers they have little passion for could produce frustrated graduates, mediocre professionals and, in some cases, contribute to social problems.

He said some young people, after being compelled to study courses they did not desire, could become frustrated and vulnerable to negative influences, including cultism, prostitution and other harmful activities.

Aleke also cautioned against the consequences of placing unmotivated or unsuitable individuals in sensitive professions, arguing that society could suffer when people enter careers merely to satisfy parental expectations.

He said parents should understand that the popularity, prestige or perceived financial value of a profession does not necessarily determine its relevance or the eventual success of the person pursuing it.

According to him, professions and disciplines such as History, Igbo, Adult Education and Social Work, among others, also provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to society.

He therefore urged young school leavers to consider their abilities, passion and potential contribution to society when choosing careers rather than focusing exclusively on financial benefits or social status.

Aleke further stressed the need for parents to become “shoulders for their children to stand on and see farther,” noting that effective mentorship should involve guidance, encouragement and understanding.

He said the story of Icha ultimately demonstrated how providence, education and proper guidance could transform an individual’s life, adding that Icha eventually rose to occupy significant public positions, including Sole Administrator, Deputy Governor of the then Enugu State, Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government and Nigerian Ambassador to Australia.

He described the late Ambassador Icha Ituma as a reference point whose contributions helped lift his community in Ngboejeogu, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and beyond.

Aleke called on parents, community leaders, government and other stakeholders to invest more in mentoring Nigerian youths and creating legitimate opportunities for them to acquire education, skills and productive livelihoods.

He added that young people also had a responsibility to reject idleness and criminality, saying the future of the country depended on citizens who were willing to develop their talents and contribute positively to society.

“We are all stakeholders in making this country a better place,” he said, urging youths to choose productive paths and parents to guide rather than torment their children.

He dedicated the article to the life and times of the late Ambassador Icha Ituma and to parents who, according to him, have successfully mentored their children and wards.