The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has urged youths to shun drug abuse, cultism and criminality and embrace education, skills acquisition, sports and legitimate entrepreneurship as pathways to a productive future.
Dauda gave the charge on Monday while leading more than 200 residents, youths, council officials and other stakeholders on a fitness walk and youth campaign against drug abuse, cultism and other illicit vices as part of activities marking the first anniversary of his administration.
The exercise, which also commemorated International Youth Day (IYD), commenced at about 8:30 a.m. from the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat and passed through Allen Avenue, Toyin Roundabout, Oriyomi, Ipondo, Bank Anthony and Kodeso.
Participants, dressed in blue T-shirts bearing the logos of Ikeja Local Government, AKOD and International Youth Day, used the walk to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, violence and other criminal activities.
They also displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Our Youth: Our Future,” “Say No to Drugs,” “Say No to Illicit Vices,” “Say No to Cultism,” “Drug Destroys Dreams” and “There is Pride in Life Behind Bars.”
Speaking at the event, Dauda said the fitness walk was designed to officially commence the three-day activities marking the first anniversary of his administration, while also promoting healthy living and drawing attention to the challenges confronting young people.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of the administration but also to reflect on its performance, assess areas requiring improvement and renew its commitment to the people of Ikeja.
“Today’s walk is more than physical exercise. We are walking for healthy bodies, healthy minds, peaceful communities and a brighter future for our young people. We are saying no to drug abuse, no to cultism, violence and criminality, and yes to education, skills, sports, entrepreneurship and productive living,” he said.
The chairman described youths as the greatest assets of the community, urging them to take advantage of opportunities that could help them develop their talents and build sustainable livelihoods.
“As we celebrate one year in office, we recognise that there is still much more to do. Our first anniversary is not an end, but a new beginning and a renewed commitment to doing more for our people,” Dauda said.
He called for collective action to tackle drug abuse and cultism, stressing that government alone could not address the challenges confronting young people.
Dauda urged parents, schools, religious institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and youths to work together to protect young people and provide positive alternatives to crime and other illicit activities.
He assured residents that his administration would, in its second year, continue to prioritise education, youth empowerment, healthcare, environmental sustainability and social welfare programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the council chairman, Adeola Ogunlade, activities lined up for the anniversary include the commissioning of community development projects.
The projects include the rehabilitation of RST Apena Close, with drainage, interlocking stones and streetlights; the rehabilitation of Bashiru Owen Street, with interlocking stones and streetlights; and the construction of an ultra-modern public toilet under the bridge in front of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
The statement added that the council would also recognise retired staff of Ikeja Local Government for their years of service. It further stated that the third day of the anniversary programme would feature the distribution of palliative food items to residents and vulnerable members of Ikeja Local Government at the council secretariat
