The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has described drug abuse as a pandemic in the state, requiring urgent attention.
Mr. Ogunlende, 44, urged youths in the state to shun drugs capable of truncating their future while speaking at the “Empowering Her Fortune Initiative (EHF) 2.0” on Tuesday in Lagos.
The empowerment program was organized by Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in conjunction with MTN Momo, a fintech subsidiary of MTN, Nigeria.
The commissioner called on all relevant stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to join hands in the fight against drug abuse in various communities to secure the lives and future of the youth.
Decrying the numerous risks substance abuse has caused young people, Mr. Ogunlende said, “This drug affects all of us.”
He highlighted that substance addiction has caused numerous problems, including diseases and road crashes that have led to the untimely deaths of many, including innocent people.
Mr Ogunlende said: “So, let us not say we are not concerned, it does not matter, or it does not involve us because we do not take it.
“Please, I want us to take it seriously. It is a pandemic. I have been involved in several conversations about these drugs in Lagos.
“Once something is a pandemic, it is something each and every one of us must continue to be a part of.
“The government cannot do it alone, the private organisation cannot do it alone; we must form partnership and collaboration to ensure our community continues to thrive and safe.”
He said that the state government’s war against drug abuse informed the launch of the awareness campaign tagged ‘Lagos Kicks Against Drug Abuse.’
“We must ensure a greater Lagos continues to rise,” he added.
Mr. Ogunlende, who commended the comportment of Lagos youths during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, stated that the Lagos State government had not taken youths for granted.
He emphasized that youths should take advantage of various opportunities in the state to empower themselves, including the state’s “student loan” scheme.
Mr. Ogunlende also praised the chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Fuad Atanda-Lawal, for prioritizing the empowerment of women to boost their trade.
He urged the council boss to continue supporting the youth, considering their population and the challenges they face.
The program, which empowered 1,000 women with N50,000 each, was attended by lawmakers, traditional white cap chiefs, and APC leaders.
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