Rev. Fr. Songlabong Urges Compassionate Support and Hard Work among Youth at BB Multipurpose Center Commissioning

At the recent commissioning of the BB Multipurpose Center in Kpaguri, Wa, Rev. Fr. Urban Volsuuri Songlabong, Chaplain of Immaculate Conception Parish, Kaleo, delivered a compelling address focusing on the critical challenges confronting today’s youth.

His message resonated deeply with attendees, as he candidly spoke about the growing prevalence of drug abuse among young people and the detrimental effects it has on their futures.

Rev. Fr. Urban expressed profound concern over the increasing involvement of youth in substance abuse, describing it as a barrier that threatens their well-being and potential.

“Our youth, especially the young men, are indulging in so much abuse of drugs such as tramadol and red. These drugs in the long run weaken their bodies and they end up being hooked on to these drugs”, he said.

He also issued a heartfelt plea to parents, elders, and community leaders across all faiths, including Muslims, Christians, and Traditionalists, not to abandon or harshly judge youths struggling with these issues.

Instead, he advocated for an approach grounded in empathy and inclusion, encouraging society to engage young people in meaningful activities and to offer guidance with compassion.

Beyond substance abuse, Rev. Fr. Urban touched on another pervasive issue: the perception that many young people today lack a strong work ethic and a willingness to exert honest effort.

He acknowledged the mistrust elders often feel toward youth who seem disinclined to take on productive roles, attributing this in part to a dangerous pursuit of quick money.

This drive, he warned, may lead young individuals into dishonest behaviors such as theft or accepting bribes in the workplace, which only compound their difficulties.

To counter these trends, the priest called on young entrepreneurs and workers to demonstrate humility and adopt respectful, polite communication and marketing practices.

He emphasized that success and respect in professional environments come not only from hard work but also from the way one relates to clients and colleagues.

Rev. Fr. Urban’s address was both a clarion call for societal responsibility and a guiding beacon for youth to embrace constructive values.

His vision for a future where young people are uplifted by their communities, supported in their struggles, and inspired to pursue honest livelihoods serves as a vital step toward healing and progress in Wa and beyond.

On his part, the founder and owner of BB Multi-Purpose center, a business center that has a washing bay, barbering salon, and a supermarket, Mr. Layeng Berenger called on the general public to patronize the services provided there. He assured that with time, some more services would be added.