By Habibu Harisu
Kankara (Katsina State) – A traditional ruler, Alhaji Usman Bello-Kankara, on Tuesday urged youths to shun all forms of vices and participate in various economic empowerment opportunities for a good future.
Bello-Kankara, who is the District Head of Ketare in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kankara.
He advised them to take advantage of the Federal Government Food Security Programme (FSP) and Anchor Borrower scheme.
“These programmes are opportunities to boost agricultural production, encourage self-reliance and overall rejuvenation of commercial activities.
“This administration has recorded good achievements as exemplified by the return of peace to states in the North-East as well as the end of cattle rustling and herdsmen/farmers clashes in some states.
“I urge Nigerians to reciprocate President Muhammadu Buhari’s gesture by engaging in agricultural production and other viable businesses.’’
Bello-Kankara, a retired Comptroller of Customs, noted that peace is the panacea to the challenges hindering the country’s progress.
He lauded Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State for his peace-building efforts, which he noted, had facilitated the resumption of trading activities in markets across Kankara and its environs.
Bello-Kankara also thanked Kankara and Ketare communities for their support to traditional institutions.
He said that he would always mobilise his people to participate in all community and government initiatives aimed at facilitating national growth.
He further urged the people to enrol their children in schools and take advantage of healthcare programmes, including immunisation against poliomyelitis.
The district head also appealed to the people to partake in continuous voters’ registration, to enable them to exercise their franchise in the coming elections.
He also urged them register and obtain the National Identity Card as well as pay their tax regularly and promptly, stressing that non-payment of tax hinders government activities, especially in the area of provision of services.
He further pledged continued loyalty and good working relationship with the Katsina Emirate Council. (NAN)