By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The Pan-African Teens Development Initiative (PATDI) has has urged society to reflect on its responsibility towards teenagers and work towards creating a crime-free society. This was contained in a Boxing Day message the founder of the organization, Princess Anita Umewene issued through the press to the public recently.
In the message, PATDI reaffirms its commitment to guiding teens through mentorship, character development, and opportunities, emphasizing that a crime-free society among teens is a shared responsibility.
The statement reads, “A crime-free society among teens is not a wish; it is a responsibility we must all share.” PATDI encourages individuals to contribute their time, values, and voices to shape a safer future for young people.
The message concludes with a call to action, stating, “Together, we must get it right for our teens and for generations to come.”
Princess Anita B.C. Umeweni’s PATDI focuses on guiding teenagers towards positive paths, emphasizing mentorship, character development, and opportunities to prevent crime.
Some potential areas of focus, include teen mentorship programs, character-building initiatives, community engagement for crime prevention and
Partnerships for teen development.
Several organizations are working to prevent crime and empower youths. Princess Anita Umeweni’s Vision 2035 aims to engage teenagers constructively through vocational training and mentorship, with a goal of preventing crime and promoting positive development. This 10-year program plans to establish monitoring committees in all states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective implementation.
The PATDI also emphasizes individual responsibility in creating a crime-free society, urging citizens, especially youths, to choose the right path and stand against societal ills like drug abuse and cultism.
Other organizations that are into similar initiatives as PATDI are, Raised for Excellence Foundation, providing mental support and skills training to youths in high-crime areas, Nwakaego Initiative and Empowerment Foundation, launching the: “Say No To Crime” campaign to educate youths on common and lesser-known crimes,
Boys Aid Network, inspiring young Nigerian boys to build safe communities through the “Boys Against Crime Campaign”
These organizations recognize that addressing poverty, unemployment, and family conditions is crucial to reducing crime rates.
