The premier was speaking Sunday at the National Prayer Breakfast that took place at the Kigali Convention Centre. Organised annually by Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, the prayer attracts top government, church and civil society leaders.
Dr Ngirente presided over the prayer as President Paul Kagame who usually does it was visiting Tanzania on Sunday.
The 23rd edition of the prayer considered the increasing drug abuse among the youth as a serious issue that must be tackled through concerted efforts to nurture youth who can contribute to the national development.
“Rwanda Government values the youth a lot. They constitute around 70% of the population and no development is possible without their hand. They are our labour force and future leaders. We have to instil good values in them at their early age to give them good vision,” said Dr Ngirente.
He urged church leaders to encourage the youth to match their religious beliefs with good deeds and make sure they walk their talk.
“Raising well our children will reduce the number of drug users. We have to fight drugs with all our efforts and God is on our side because he wants good life among his creatures,” he said.
President Kagame also called for tight fight against drugs during the National Dialogue Council last month.
Rwanda Education Board (REB) embraced the fight a fortnight ago, announcing that students going to study abroad will have to submit a medical certificate from a recognised hospital proving that they are drug-free.
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