Emir tasks parents on closeness to children

The Emir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa, has urged parents to be very close to their children and strive to monitor their movements, friends and behaviours.

He also advised them to seek the assistance of neighbours, teachers, religious leaders or even security agencies where they suspected that their children were derailing.

The traditional ruler gave the advice on Monday in Lafia.

The Emir opined that most social vices committed by youths would be reduced if they had parents that were close to them and had become their confidants.

“If parents are concerned about the welfare and lives of the children, they will notice when such children start behaving strangely; they will know when such children start going astray.

“Ònce the parents notice that they will immediately intervene and make sure that bad friends, responsible for such strange behaviours, are pushed away,” he said.

The traditional ruler also spoke on the declining standard of education and opined that it would improve if parents supported the government in the areas of funding, counselling and monitoring.

He also urged parents to enrol their children and wards in schools to acquire both western and religious education.

“The children need the western education to grow socially and economically, while the religious education will improve their moral standards for honest leadership,” he said.