Keffi Youth Group urges public officers to be selfless
By Salisu Sani-Idris
A Coalition of Keffi Youths Forum, under the auspices of the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), on Sunday urged public office holders to place the interest of the people above personal interest.
The Chairman of NYCN, Keffi Chapter, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, gave the advice at a grand reception in honour of Dr Samson Adegoke, the immediate past Director of Finance and Account, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, who recently retired at the age of 60.
The youth leader observed that some public office holders were more interested in accumulating wealth and protecting the interest of some vested groups rather than rendering selfless service that is of benefits to the people.
He said that Adegoke has contributed immensely to youth empowerment in Keffi through provision of scholarship, securing employment for graduates and paying the medical bills of the less privileged.
“These were some of the good qualities that is expected of every public office holders in addition to discharging their assigned responsibilities effectively as exhibited by Adegoke.
“This is why we were not surprised when we heard he was re-engaged by the Federal Medical center on contract appointment for another two years.
“I want to appeal to public office holders to look beyond the acquisition of power so that they can see the rewards for service.
“Public office is supposed to be used to better the lots of the ordinary citizens,” he said.
Earlier, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu (APC-Nasarawa West), who is the Chairman of the occasion, described Adegoke’s engagement on contract bases by the management of the hospital as worthy.
He commended Keffi youths for honouring Adegoke, saying: “Adegoke is one of the few public officials that assisted the people at the Local, State and Federal levels while in service.
According to him, Adegoke is at all time willing to assist the young people to have a sense of direction in the society.
Responding, Adegoke, said that associating with the youths was always interesting and rewarding, particularly Keffi youths, who have demonstrated qualities that portrayed them as leaders of tomorrow.
He, therefore, urged the youths to always strive hard towards making their today better than yesterday through hard work and dedication.
Adegoke expressed appreciation to Keffi youths for finding him worthy to be accorded such honour, adding that “this will challenge me to give more to the society”.
