Mr Sanai Agunbiade, Majoriy Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday advised youths to avoid use of illicit drugs and stop criminal activities across the country.
Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu Constituency 1, gave the advice during the 7th Annual constituency stakeholders’ meeting held at Ikorodu in Lagos,where he lamented that abuse of drugs was fast becoming prevalent amongst adults, especially the youth.
He added that drug abuse had been identified as having a devastating effect on safety and progress of the society.
Agunbiade said the effects included gang formation, cultism, armed robbery, rape and other social disturbances.
“Drug abuse has lead some of the youths to eventually drop out of School and end up on the street as pick pocket, bag snatching and armed robbery. Drug abuse has also caused a lot of damages on their health.
“You will see some of them having complicated medical challenges like stroke, memory loss, brain damages, liver damages and so on,” he said.
He implored stakeholders to partner with with the government with a view to defeating the scourge of drug abuse in the society.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Ikorodu West Local Council Developmental Area, Mr Kazeem Sulaimon, commended the efforts of the majority leader in developing Ikorodu community.
He advised parents to monitor their children’s movement and assist teachers to succeed in the in the fight against ilicit and drug abuse.
A representative of NDLEA, Mr Isiaka Opeloyeru, urged parents and community leaders to collaborate together in monitoring and engaging the youths on the effect of drug abuse adding the process would curtail the menace.
He said that NDLEA was available to counsel as many communities youths as possible and appealed to them to call on the agency when for such services is needed
He also urged residents of the local government to support the government in stopping criminal activities in combatting illicit and drug abuse.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Highness, Oba Kabiru Shotobi also advised parents to always check on their children’s friends to enable them correct their wrong doings before getting out of hands.
The monarch said that the use of drugs among youths was a bane in and stimulant that triggers their involvement in criminal activities.
“Drugs intake by youths is a major factor that triggers most of them to engage in vices.Parents should endeavour to monitor their wards and ensure that they don’t move with bad friend who can also lure them into it,” the traditional ruler said.
