Former Miss Nigeria and Mrs United Nations Nigeria, Mrs Ebele Enemchukwu, on Wednesday advised religious leaders in the country to focus more on developing behavioural virtues in individuals through their preachings.
Enemchukwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was disheartening to see the country in a state of moral decadence, where youths engage in drug abuse, rape, internet fraud and more.
She said that religious leaders and parents could play huge roles in making the society sane and peaceful, while intensifying efforts in positioning themselves well for the youth to emulate.
The former beauty queen urged religious leaders to pay less emphasis on guiding youths on material acquisition, but should focus more on how they could live responsibly and pursue eternal life.
“Religious leaders have strong influence on the society as a whole, and not just the youth; they are role models to more people than they know.
“The youth, who have lost regard or respect for their parents or guardians, often listen to their spiritual leaders for counsel and direction.
“It, therefore, behoves on the man of God to use the ‘ready audience’ to dissuade youths from internet fraud, illicit drug abuse, rape and more,” she said.Enemchukwu said that youths should be constantly reminded that there is a more important life after death.
She said that with this, the pressure for material acquisition by them would be diminished and naturally curb chances of joining bad associations, that often expose them to social vices.
The ex-beauty queen advised parents to be proactive, as they look out for early signs of behavioural anomalies in their children.
She urged parents to constantly preach to their wards, while they should endeavour to live according to the teachings of the Bible and Quoran.
She said that children were created by God to imitate what they see, and not what they are told to do.“Habits are easier formed than broken, easier to pick up than to drop; so, parents are advised to look out for early signs of behavioural anomalies from their children.
“When these anomalies are discovered early enough, it will be easy for parents to correct such among their children.“Parents should always be available around their children, not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually and psychologically.
“We must always pray for our children and constantly exemplify those great attributes we expect from them,” she said. (NAN)
