Lagos State House of Assembly member, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, has described the incessant increase of drug abuse and addiction among the young people as dangerous and worrisome.
The lawmaker, who made this known at the 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting in his Ikeja Constituency 2, on Thursday 19th August, 2021, at Multi-purpose Hall, Eko FM/Radio Lagos, called on parents, guardians, community and religious leaders to take decisive action against the scourge.
He made reference to the interminable increase of black spots within Ikeja area of Lagos as against what was obtainable in the past and fervently warned that if the ugly situation is not arrested, it could take its toll on the future of our society and our nation at large.
“Now that we all know that drug abuse and addiction have assumed a very dangerous and epidemic status, especially among our young people, it is time for us all as stakeholders to take decisive action against this scourge.
“In time past in Ikeja Constituency 2, one of the major black spots that we used to know is located in a popular zone in the central business district axis Ikeja, close to Agidingbi, but these days, black spots are springing up everywhere at a frightening rate in our main streets and inner communities across Ikeja and Ojodu. This trend is extremely dangerous for the future of our society and our nation, if not arrested now.
“I therefore enjoin everyone of us seated here today to swing into action in whatever way and at whatever level we can. From the home, from the mosque, from the church, in the market, at schools and every other relevant place, the time to shift serious attention and refocus on the issue of drug abuse among our youth is now.”
On his own part, Hon. Kasunmu popularly called ARK, reiterated his commitment towards ensuring the youths of his Constituency are continuously engaged through various skill acquisition programmes and empowerments.
“As your representative and a member of the youth constituency, I will double up my efforts on all fronts and we will continue to engage the youth with more vigour. In the next couple of weeks, we are going to be having series of engagement targeted at addressing these problems.
Vocational trainings and empowerments for the youths are also in the offing. At the legislative level, we will do more to strengthen the existing laws and institutions created to handle these issues. It is my believe that all hopes are not lost and the battle is winnable.”
Earlier in the day, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikeja LGA, Alhaji Adekunle Dally Adeokun, asked rhetorically why parents have failed in their responsibilities these days. He pointed out that in time past, drug abuse among the youths was relatively low compared to now. He, however, proffered everyone to go back to the proverbial drawing board to end the menace.
“Why have we failed in our responsibilities as parents? Let’s go back to the drawing board, we shouldn’t copy the Western world in toto. Mothers have more responsibility on this issue because they are closer to children than fathers.”
Meanwhile, some stakeholders at the meeting were full of praises and thanks to Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu for steadfastly hearkening to their complains and efforts he made towards relieving their plight.
Those present at the Stakeholders’ Meeting were, royal fathers, market women leaders, APC stalwarts in Ikeja and Ojodu, Ojodu LCDA Chairman, Hon. Odumbaku, Councillors, artisans, Islamic clerics, Clergymen, students among others.
