The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende has stated that the task of building the youths is too enormous to be left to the State Government alone, as it should be seen as a shared responsibility that everybody must be involved in.
He disclosed this during the Thanksgiving Service of the Ministry to commemorate the Y2024 International Youth Day held on Sunday at Christ The Light Chapel, Alausa.
Ogunlende commended the Church for its efforts in rescuing some youths from the den of drug abuse and called on other religious organisations to emulate the Christ the Light Chapel by using advocacy in curbing the menace of drug abuse in the State.
“We need every parent, community, religious organisation and everyone that really cares for the future of our youths, particularly those young ones whose future is being endangered by drug abuse. We cannot do it alone. As a government, all hands must be on deck to salvage our youth”, Ogunlende said.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the Ministry had designed a Skill Acquisition Programme to engage the youth to acquire skills that would help them earn a living by deploying their time and energy to productive activities.
Pharm (Mrs.) Oke-Osanyintolu also advised parents to cultivate intimate relationships with their children and show interest in everything that affects them to prevent them from confiding in unworthy friends who could misguide them.
On his part, the Presiding Chaplain, Christ the Light Chapel, Revd. (Dr.) Oladele Ajayi assured the Ministry of continuous collaboration to tackle the menace of drug abuse ravaging youths across the State and Country.
