Awutu-Nffafo (C/R), Jan. 14, GNA - The youth have been advised to avoid early marriage to enable them to develop their talents for effective nation building.

It would also prolong their life-span and make them more responsive to the needs of their families and communities when they attain the level of parenthood.

Mr Emmanuel S. Martey, Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Co-ordinator for the National Youth Council (NYC), gave the advice at the graduation of 23 young men and women in the Awutu-Nffafo and Bontrase area, who have acquired knowledge and skills in batik, tie and dye at Awutu-Nffafo last Friday.

Mr Martey explained that marriage entails numerous social and economic problems, which requires some level of maturity before entering into it.

He therefore, counselled the youth in the area to strive to become knowledgeable and skilful so that they might not be found wanting when they come face to face with challenges of life. He also reminded them of the presidential and parliamentary elections which comes off later in the year, and advised them to comport themselves to ensure peaceful electioneering campaign and elections. Mr Martey said the nation needs peace and stability to push the country's democracy forward and it is the youth who should lead the crusade to achieve this objective.

He commended Mr Daniel Assomaning, assemblyman for the area, who single-handedly organised the training programme, for his foresight and vision and urged other members of the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Assembly to emulate him.

In his closing address, Mr Assomaning also advised the graduants to make good use of the knowledge and skills gained at the course. He announced plans to organise more of such training programmes to assist the people in the area, adding that this is the second passing out ceremony since the scheme was initiated about six months ago.