Oba Adeyoola Of Orile-Alagbado Launches Anti-Drug Campaign To Mark 100 Days on The Throne.

…………As Oba leads awareness walk against drug abuse.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

In order to combat the growing scourge of substances abuse among youths,the Paramount King of Orile-Alagbado,His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeshoga Williams Adeyoola (Tomia 1)has embarked on a comprehensive sensitization program as part of his activities marking his 100 days on the throne.

The Paramount King Oba Adeyoola (Tomia I) launched a strategic campaign against drug abuse and the illicit use of harmful substances in the community with the theme “Say No To Drugs”which is aimed to educate the youths and stakeholders on the dangers of substance abuse, underscoring the urgency of the issues and importance of awareness.

The event held on Thursday 1, May 2025 at the palace of Oba Adeyoola was well attended by various stakeholders, including community leaders, youths,representatives of NDLEA, Ministry of Health, Ojokoro LGA, police and other sister security agencies and concerned citizens.

Investigator news reports that the awareness walk commenced from the palace of Oba Adeyoola to Moshalashi down to Ajegunle,Ologogoro,Folaasis,Mao Junction then Agbado Junction.

The walk continued to Jakara and made a stop over at the palace of Oba of Ojokoro community,then back to Clem road,Adure,Killington and back to the palace.

Earlier the Keynote speaker,a representative of Knowledge Over Drug Abuse Organization,Mr Olufemi Bashorun called on parents to be involved in the affairs of their children by monitoring the kind of friends they keep and places they visit.

Olufemi stated that curbing substances abusive driven mental health issues among youths calls for vigilance, while calling for a united front to ensure that youths receive the necessary guidance and support.

“The war against drug abuse is not a war for just one person, it involves you and me, non-governmental agencies, students, elders amongst others.Therefore, I encourage all women, mothers, and intending mothers to join forces to fight against drug abuse and illicit dealing in narcotics in this community”

I want to tell you that anybody involved in drug abuse and is rushed to the hospital,for 6months will not pay less than N500,000 to treat himself,so I encourage parents to assist in joining force to stop this act or it destroys what we have been able to build for years”he said.

He opined that Knowledge Over Drug Abuse which is an NGO that was set up by young Nigerians to address the issues of drug abuse by providing the right knowledge to young people so that they can make informed decisions and for parents to provide knowledge to their wards.

The Convener,Oba Adeshoga Williams Adeyoola (Tomia 1), stated that the essence of the campaign against drug abuse and the illicit use of harmful substances in the community was part of his commitment in ensuring that youths are not seen taking which is diminishing their lives and that of their future.

Oba Adeyoola, known for his progressive leadership and deep concern for youth welfare, said the campaign is aimed at rescuing the younger generation from the dangers of drug addiction and substance abuse, which have continued to threaten the future of many homes and communities.

He offered wise counsel, advising the youths to shun hard drugs and substances that can cause irreparable harm to their health.

“We must rise as a people and say no to drugs. It is time to take back our youths from the grip of addiction. This is a royal call to action — for parents, schools, religious leaders, and the entire community to play their part.”

“Our children are our future leaders but the future is now under threat due to the alarming rate of drug abuse amongst young people”

“We must act now to prevent this menace from destroying our youths. I want to thank most especially the NDLEA in their fight against drug abuse, the ministry of health and all the security agencies here present in making this day a memorable one ” he submitted.

 

Representative from the NDLEA Ogun State Command emphasized the importance of law enforcement in combating drugs. They commended the royal father for coming up with such initiative, while urging the youths to stay away from drugs so that their future will be brighter .

Speaking with Investigator news,the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Ojokoro LGA,Hon Jelili Oseni applauded Oba Adeyoola efforts in trying to eradicate the menace of drug abuse in Orile Agbado community.

Hon Jelili emphasized the critical needs for community engagement, stating that drug abuse requires a multifaceted approach involving parents, education institution and community organization.

He advised the youths to stop taking drugs so that they won’t destroy their future and be a good representative of this country and their future.

Investigator news gathered that this initiative has drawn support from traditional chiefs, youth groups, security agencies, and NGOs, which reflects the monarch’s commitment to building a healthier, safer, and more prosperous community.

Dr Iyanda from the Ministry of Health, Ojokoro LGA urge the youths to shun drugs as it can cause psychological trauma, appealing to parents and guardians to know the kind of friends their children keep.