NYCN, NDLEA take anti-drug campaign to Lagos streets
The Lagos State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other voluntary organisations, on Friday sensitised youths in Ikorodu to the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and the importance of civic participation.
The advocacy programme, themed Back to Street Initiative, was designed to take youth-focused campaigns directly to grassroots communities across Ikorodu.
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Etim Ekpimah
The Lagos State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other voluntary organisations, on Friday sensitised youths in Ikorodu to the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and the importance of civic participation.
The advocacy programme, themed Back to Street Initiative, was designed to take youth-focused campaigns directly to grassroots communities across Ikorodu.
Organisers said the initiative, launched in Ikorodu Local Government Area and the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Lagos East Senatorial District, would subsequently be extended to all 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State.
Other voluntary organisations that participated in the campaign included the Boys Scout, Girls Brigade, Man O’ War, and the Directorate of Gender and Girl Child Empowerment.
Hundreds of youths participated in the awareness walk, carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “Be Youthful and Useful,” “Say No to Drugs,” “Clean Mind, Clean Street, Greater Lagos,” and “Drugs Steal Dreams.”
Other messages displayed included: “Empower Youths, Stronger Nation,” “Don’t Complain Tomorrow, Get Your PVC Today,” “PVC Ready, Future Ready,” and “Your PVC is Your Power, Collect It Today.”
Speaking after the walk, the NYCN Lagos State Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Adigun, said the Back to Street Initiative was created to bring youth advocacy directly to communities at the grassroots.
He said the programme was aimed at amplifying campaigns against cultism and drug abuse while also encouraging young people to exercise their civic rights during forthcoming elections.
Adigun explained that unlike previous programmes, the initiative focuses on street-to-street engagement with young people on critical issues such as substance abuse, cultism and civic responsibility.
He added that the programme involves collaboration with key stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, police authorities and the NDLEA, to ensure effective community participation.
According to him, the initiative gives ordinary citizens the opportunity to interact directly with organisers, ask questions and feel more included in governance discussions.
He urged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful despite the nation’s challenges, stressing that young people have a major role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future through positive contributions, active electoral participation and nation-building.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Mrs Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, commended the NYCN for the initiative and urged members to lead by example.
“For this advocacy, everyone should start from their homes and join hands in nation-building,” she said.
Also speaking, the Alajede of Ijede, Oba Adefarasin Hassan, commended the youths for the campaign, gave them his blessing and advised them to maximise social media platforms and government opportunities to strengthen their advocacy.
Similarly, the Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Mr Hammed Aroyewun, expressed gratitude to the NYCN executives for mobilising youths against the dangers of hard drugs, cultism and other social vices.
He pledged support for the movement, describing the fight against drug abuse and cultism as part of the mandate of a responsive government.
Aroyewun also encouraged youths with innovative ideas to contribute to governance, assuring them of his open-door policy.
“I enjoyed the support of youths during my candidacy as chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA. This is why I have deliberately included more young people in my cabinet to demonstrate my solidarity and support for youths,” he said.
The Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Adedayo Ladega, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr Yusuf Gbadebo-Lawal, also praised the initiative and urged young people to remain actively involved in nation-building.
