The Lagos State Government has relaunched the crusade against drug abuse codenamed: ‘Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.’
The campaign, which kicked off recently with the sensitisation of youths on the dangers of drug abuse, was led by the Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, at the Palace of the Baale of Eyita, Ikorodu, a statement said on Sunday.
“Speaking on a 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 was distressing to hear about the impact of drug abuse, particularly the use of substances on the youth,” the statement said.
Ogunlende, who noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu “was deeply touched by the viral video which depicts the damage drug abuse is having on youths in Eyita,” said the ministry was ready to collaborate with the community to put an end to the menace.
“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 statement quoted the commissioner to have said.
He said the state government would find a solution to the menace “professionally through a series of engagements with all stakeholders, particularly the youth who are at the receiving end of this dangerous content.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, assured the community of the ministry’s support with periodic enlightenment campaigns and rehabilitation programmes for drug addicts.
She added that the government would create a skill acquisition programme for youths within the community to help them be profitably engaged and become good ambassadors of the state.
