The Lagos State Government has relaunched the crusade against drug abuse codenamed: “LAGOS STATE KICKS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE” (LASKADA).
The campaign which kicked off recently with the sensitisation of youths on the dangers of drug abuse was led by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende at the Palace of the Baale of Eyita, Ikorodu.
Speaking on the viral video posted by a concerned mother who was helplessly lamenting the damage “Colorado” had inflicted upon her son in the Eyita area of Ikorodu, the Commissioner declared that it is distressing to hear about the impact of drug abuse, particularly the use of substances on the youth.
Ogunlende, who confirmed that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu was deeply touched by the viral video which depicts the damage drug abuse is having on youths in Eyita, stated that the Ministry is ready to collaborate with the community to put an end to the menace.
According to him, our youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but our future that must not be left at the mercy of drugs. We must do everything possible to rescue them now before it is too late.
“Ours is a proactive government and that is why we commend the courage of the woman who posted the video as well as the youths in the Eyita Community who have equally lent out their voices against the illicit drug. We acknowledge this as a positive reaction and we will be responding to this challenge through a coordinated approach”, the Commissioner added.
He revealed further that the state government will find a solution to the pandemic professionally through a series of engagements with all stakeholders particularly the youth who are at the receiving end of this dangerous content.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu assured the community of the Ministry’s support with periodic enlightenment campaigns and rehabilitation programmes for drug addicts.
She mentioned that the government will create a skill acquisition programme for youths within the community to help them be profitably engaged and become good ambassadors of the state.
In his response, Baale of Eyita, Chief Memood Oyebajo revealed that the community is a vibrant settlement with well-cultured and law-abiding habitants, stating that it will be regrettable to allow its potential to sink into drug abuse.
“We are happy to have a Commissioner who is genuinely touched by the situation of our youths.
We have voiced out our stand against drug abuse through the video that emanated from one of us and we are ready to collaborate with the State Government to put an end to this evil”, he assured
