By: Hafsatu Z Bangura
At the weekly press briefing of the Ministry of Information and Communication held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Orman Bangura said the future of the country is through Agriculture and Entrepreneurship and engagement of youths in these sectors for a sustainable development of a country.
He made this statement in connection with the President’s big five agenda focusing on agriculture, Entrepreneurship and participation of youths in the country.
He also made mentioned of the outrageous stories about the car wash program that has been projected in a deeming manner, he said the purpose of the car wash serves as a rehabilitation center for youths who have been involved in petty crimes of which they have served sentences for and as a way of encouraging them in a positive manner, society bash at them, as a government their initiative is to help them get back on their feet, contributing to capital development of the country needs every youth to work towards that agenda.
He also spoke of the international youths day and its theme for this year’s celebration is “Green skills for youth towards a sustainable world” to which he advised and encouraged youths to be skillful and use social media wisely for the right reasons as he said jobs are available but limited certified skills to implement it.
The Minister also addressed the issue of “Kush and government plans towards it. He said government is working tirelessly toward the fight against Kush and drug abuse, as he disclosed that the fight against Kush and other drug related is a civic crisis and not just government.
According to him, government is trying to deal with the supply chain of distribution of these drugs, and actively engage and respond to the rising mental health crisis faced by youths of the country.
The Minister of Information, Communication and Civic Eduaction Chernor Bah said the fight against Kush is a comprehensive one that requires the collaboration of every Sierra Leonean in combating its use.
The Minister further addresses the issue of ECOWAS situation to which he said that the country is a member of the union and as such is committed and loyal towards its activities in addressing national affairs of its member states countries.
Miss Khadija Barrie a youth activist who has been actively engaged in the fight against Kush and drug abuse said about 60% of male have been admitted over the last few months due to Kush intake in recent times.
According to her this discovery she made on her visit to the medical facility within the country. She therefore urged youths to actively engage in the fight, to preach peace, to preach love, above all to help one another as she said most of these youths engaged in drugs related issues due to mental health challenges, peer pressure and so many factors responsible for such.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education also urged citizens of the country to actively engage in the fight, by reporting Kush related issues, supply base, or cartels of such. He also mentioned that the paramount Chief of Tonkolili Paramount Chief, Alimamy B.Y Koroma III on allegations of political incitement, breach of ethics and self- regulation to which he said Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens has appointed him to lead the investigations.