From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago said the reintroduction of the teaching of both Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) in public schools was a deliberate effort aimed at promoting moral education and instill a sense of respect for God among the teaming youths.

Bago made disclosed this over recently while declaring open this year’s annual conference of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International at the Cathedral Church of St.

He attributed the increase in thuggery and youth restiveness in the society to lack of proper moral upbringing emphasizing that both parents and religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping the values of young people.

The Governor asserted that parental care and good moral education are essential in combating the rising tide of crime, thuggery and unrest among the youth.

Bago was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Private Partner (PPP) and former Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, pointed out that religious institutions in the country have an important responsibility in enhancing the moral training of youths.

According to him, this initiative underscores the importance of teaching religious studies, which help mold and guide the lives of young individuals. He noted, “The absence of proper moral upbringing is significantly responsible for the increasing rates of various social vices among our youths.”

In addition to fostering moral education in schools, Bago expressed his administration’s commitment to controlling the rising incidents of thuggery and unrest in the state. He stated, “No responsible government will fold its arms and allow miscreants to take over the state and instill fear in innocent citizens.”

The Governor assured the Christian community of equitable treatment, affirming that “Niger State is a secular state and, therefore, there will be fair and equal treatment of adherents of the two major religions.” He reiterated, “We have reintroduced the teaching of the two main religions in our public schools as a step towards promoting equity, justice, and fairness for all. There will be no discrimination.”

The President of the Nupe Christian Fellowship International, Jacob Tsado commended the Governor for the infrastructural transformation of the state over the past two years, noting his exemplary leadership.

He described the annual conference as an event that fosters spiritual and socio-economic revival among members and unites Nupe Christians.