From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Borno State Government has expressed concern over increasing social vices and erosion of the societal core values, especially in the post-insurgency era.
Commissioner for information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the ugly trend made the government to organize a one day town hall meeting with various groups and persons on social reorientation.
“The social reorientation programs of the Borno State Government is one of the five pillars of the 25 years Development Plan to ensure that our people are returned to the core value of our society,” Tar disclosed.
He said development effort, provision of infrastructure or restoration of peace cannot be achieved without a change of attitude and return to the core values of Borno people.
The commissioner identified some of the challenges facing the state to include over dependency on foreign things, lack of moderation and motivation to think, low human development in healthcare and education.
Others, according to him, include increasing cases of drug abuse, erosion of social values, and trust deficit among the people.
He said the state targets 80 percent of the youths to become economically engaged to cherish the value of other persons co-habiting with them
The commissioner explained that the government was determined to mobilize the traditional institution, religious leaders, group or association heads for social reorientation. He promised the revival of arts and cultural heritage of the state.
Speakers at the meeting, including traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, heads of security agencies, civil society organisations, women group and transport unions, canvassed for collaboration among all stakeholders.