The Lagos State Government has reinitiated its campaign against drug abuse, known as “LAGOS STATE KICKS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE” (LASKADA), on Saturday.
This action was prompted by a viral video shared by Naomi Wahab, illustrating a distressed mother lamenting the destructive impact of drugs, particularly Colorado, on her son in the Eyita area of Ikorodu.
Spearheaded by Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the campaign commenced with an awareness drive targeting youth, emphasising the perils of drug abuse.
Ogunlende paid a visit to Chief Memood O. Oyebajo, the Baale of Eyita, to brief him on Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s plan to eradicate drug abuse within the community.
Mobolaji said, “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 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 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 a solution to this pandemic in a professional way through a series of engagements with our youth,” the Commissioner added.
In his response, Baale of Eyita, Chief Memood O.Oyebajo, said, “This is the first time of having the touch of government in Eyita. This community is vibrant and well-cultured, with law-abiding people.
“We are happy to have a commissioner who is genuinely touched by the situation of our youth. We have voiced 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, Permanent Secretary Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu assured the community of the support of the Ministry in terms of teaching the youth skills that will help them to be profitably engaged and rehabilitating those who have become addicts.
