Akande Leads Fight Against Drug Abuse Among Youths

* Akande Leads Fight Against Drug Abuse Among Youths*

Honourable Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, has taken a bold step to combat the growing issue of drug abuse among youths and teenagers, particularly secondary school students.

He spearheaded an awareness campaign against drug and substance abuse in the council area, demonstrating his commitment to addressing this pressing concern.

The event hosted at the Local Government Mapo Mini Hall in Aleshinloye, Ibadan, drew students from both public and private schools across Ibadan South West Local Government. Honourable Akande underscored the dire consequences of drug abuse, citing the prosecution of young people, untimely deaths, and mental health disorders. He also cautioned that relying on artificial solutions to problems often exacerbates them, highlighting the need for sustainable and thoughtful approaches to addressing challenges.

“Leading a successful life is incompatible with drug addiction. As someone who has worked hard to become a leader in local government, I can attest that drug use would have derailed my goals. In reality, drug abuse leads to a life of evasion, making you vulnerable to law enforcement instead of protected by them. Pursuing a fulfilling career, whether as a doctor, lawyer, or any other aspiration, becomes impossible once drug use begins. The harsh truth is that the moment you start down the path of addiction, your dreams are compromised.”

Honourable Akande emphasized the importance of faith and discipline to students, highlighting that genuine success and empowerment stem from a combination of hard work and divine guidance. He encouraged them to cultivate friendships that support their values and upbringing, rather than leading them astray from their moral foundations and faith in God.

Dr. Oluwafemi Michael delivered a thought-provoking address, warning students about the devastating effects of drug addiction. He shed light on the dangers of various substances, including Tramadol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs, cautioning students to resist peer pressure and instead make informed, positive decisions that promote their well-being and future success.

Dr. Oluwafemi Michael emphasized that the campaign’s objective extends beyond education to empowering students as peer educators, enabling them to spread awareness and promote positive change.

He also urged parents to play a more proactive role in overseeing their children’s activities, stressing that timely intervention is crucial in preventing the onset of drug addiction and fostering a safer, healthier environment.

Present at the event were the Supervisory Councillors and Special Assistants to Chairman, HLGA as well as other staff of the local government.