Comrade Ochishi made the call while interacting with journalists at the NYCN Annex Office, Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
He explained that the campaign against social vices forms a core component of the NYCN Ebonyi State policy blueprint aimed at tackling negative attitudes, societal decadence, and gender bias among youths.
According to him, social vices such as campus cultism, illicit drug and substance abuse, prostitution, indecent dressing, and other forms of moral decadence have continued to pose serious threats to the academic, social, and psychological development of young people, particularly students in higher institutions.
The NYCN Chairman commended the Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudeline Ogbonna Nwifuru, for her sustained efforts in addressing deviant behaviours, especially among the girl-child, through her Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) pet project.
He described the initiative as timely and impactful in restoring dignity, discipline, and moral values among young girls in the state.
Ochishi urged students to exhibit positive attitudes and uphold good conduct, stressing that they owe it to their parents and guardians who have made immense sacrifices to support their educational pursuits.
On the issue of out-of-school youths, the NYCN boss called for the introduction of reintegration programmes to bring disadvantaged youths back into full academic engagement.
He noted that the scholarship schemes of the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board are capable of addressing the menace of out-of-school youths if properly harnessed.
Speaking ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Area elections, Comrade Ochishi warned youths and students against allowing themselves to be lured into political thuggery, violence, and banditry, describing such acts as unlawful and detrimental to their future.
He also emphasized the importance of voter registration, describing the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as a powerful tool for promoting good governance and meaningful participation in nation-building. He encouraged eligible youths to register and actively engage in democratic processes.
The NYCN Chairman further called for continued support for the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, noting that the Governor has demonstrated strong commitment to education under his People’s Charter of Needs agenda.
On the state of NYCN Ebonyi Chapter, Comrade Ochishi disclosed that the Directorate of Students Affairs within the council is strategically positioned to provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership training to students and youths across the state in order to cultivate positive behaviour and responsible citizenship.
He concluded by reiterating the council’s vision of youth development as a pathway to national growth.
“Build the Youth, Build the Nation,” he affirmed.
