The African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) has said that one of the ways to rid the society of social vices is to have exemplary leaders as role models that the youths can emulate.
The association which has students membership drawn across African countries, including Nigeria, noted that Africa was presently faced with the dire consequences of years of neglect of youths in its rank, which had resulted in social vices such as conflicts, kidnappings, bombings, robberies, and what have you.
The association gave the disclosure on Friday in Abuja when it conferred the Pan-African Leadership Award on the president, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr Godswill Okara.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of ASUP, Rt hon Emmanuel Kendus, of the University of Ghana, said while many have only verbalized effective service delivery, patriotism, philanthrophy, qualitative and affordable healthcare delivery and service to nation, very few have really stood out to demystify effective service delivery as Okara.
He said, “While some privileged ones have chosen to perpetually bask in the euphoria of contentment and hedonism, rare kinds like our awardee has chosen a path that mitigates the adverse effects of this imbalance by leading a life of benevolence, compassion, astute dedication to effective service delivery and Spartan patriotism.
Also, the Nigerian coordinator of the association, who is a student of the Benue State University, Makurdi, Comrade Eveh Dominic, disclosed that the association had embarked on a campaign against drug abuse which just kicked off in Nigeria.
He said the campaign became necessary because a high number of students indulge in drug and alcohol consumption which include, cough syrup.
According to Dominic, research has shown that illicit drug use is hazardous to health especially the heart, adding, “our aim is to discourage them.”
Receiving the award, the president of AMLSN, Okara while commending the African Students Union Parliament (ASUP), said the award was a call to serve.
Okara is the fourth Nigerian to be so honoured by the students’ body. (Leadership)