Lagos State Government has relaunched its campaign against drug abuse codenamed “LAGOS STATE KICKS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE” (LASKADA).
The campaign relaunch which kicked off with sensitisation of youths on the dangers of drug abuse was led by the state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende.
The state government was encouraged to re-launch the campaign by a viral video posted by Naomi Wahab in which a woman was seen helplessly lamenting the damage Colorado had done to her son in Eyita area of Ikorodu area of the state.
Hence, the decision to relaunch the campaign at Eyita, Ikorodu, on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
The Commissioner also visited the Baale of Eyita, Chief Memood O.Oyebajo to brief on plan of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to stamp out drug abuse among youths.
He said the governor’s attention was also caught by the viral video.
‘”The attention of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu was caught by the viral video depicting the havoc being done by drug abuse to the youths in Eyita that is why we are here as a Ministry to collaborate with you to put an end to this menace.
“Our youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but our future that must not be left at the mercy of drug.
“We must do everything possible to rescue them now before it is too late.”
“Ours is a listening government. I must commend Naomi who posted the video as well as the youths in Eyita who have equally lent out their voices to this cause by speaking up.
“This is a positive attribute.You called us and we have come as the people you voted for to serve you.
“We have not come to arrest or punish anyone, but to find solution to this pandemic in a professional way through series of engagements with our youths ” the Commissioner said.
In his response, Baale of Eyita, Chief Memood O.Oyebajo said, commended the prompt response of the state government to the plight of the drug victim.
Commenting in the decision to re -launch the anti – drug campaign, the traditional ruler said this
” is the first time of having the touch of government in Eyita.
“This community is a vibrant and well cultured one with law abiding people.
“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.
“We are ready to collaborate with the State Government to put an end to this evil.”
On her part, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu assured the community of the support of the Ministry all the time
She said the ministry will engage in teaching youths of the community skills that will help them to be profitably engaged and rehabilitate those that have become addicted to drugs. ( vitalnewsngr.com)
