Olowu of Owu Egba Expresses Concern over the Rise in Drug Abuse among Youth in Ogun
The Olowu of Owu Egba, Oba Saka Matemilola, has expressed deep concern over the rise in drug abuse among youth in Ogun State.
He warned that the dangerous trend could have dire consequences for the future of the state if it is not urgently tackled.
The monarch also said he was worried over the increasing crime rate among the youth in the state, resulting into serious societal and health problem.
The Olowu expressed his concern on Monday, while addressing newsmen at his palace in Abeokuta, during the flagship event of the annual “Odun Omo Olowu”.
He said that peer pressure is luring more youths into cultism, hooliganism and other criminal activities across the state.
He appealed to the state government to take decisive action to fight drug abuse, cultism and hooliganism among the youths, which according to him, are the major causes of insecurity.
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The Olowu of Owu spoke on what he and major stakeholders in Owuland are doing to address the three issues.
Oba Matemilola also noted that as part of efforts aimed at redirecting the path of the youth in the kingdom, the Owu Kingdom, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Positive Youths and Family Life Mission Centre among others, have embarked on an intensive campaign against drug abuse among the youths.
He said, “It is essential we synergise with people and groups of like minds to fight the evil of drug and substance abuse among our youths.
We all know the evil of drugs and how destructive it could be in the lives of our youths. It is against this background that we are taking the lead to further support our youth to fight off this challenge.
“We have some groups that we work with like NDLEA, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Positive Youths and Family Life Mission Centre among others. We equally have a dedicated line that people may call to seek help. This is a noble cause that requires the support of all of us.”
