Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called on Nigerian youth, particularly students, to avoid drug abuse, cultism, and other detrimental behaviours that could jeopardise their future. He emphasised that the nation’s future hinges on the choices made by its young people.
Speaking in Ilorin at the Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Stemming the Tide of Social Vices among Students, AbdulRazaq underscored the importance of making positive decisions. The event, organised by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Abdulwasiu Onidugbe, featured discussions on addressing these pressing issues.
Represented by the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, the governor warned against cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse and sexual abuse, highlighting the severe consequences such activities can have, including stigma, regret and premature death. He urged students to honour their parents’ investments by steering clear of such vices.
The governor commended Onidugbe for the initiative and expressed gratitude to all security agencies and stakeholders involved in the dialogue, which aimed to provide fresh perspectives and encourage students to make better choices for their future.
“Cultism, cyber crime, drug abuse, and sexual abuse, among others, set you up for uncertain future of regrets, stigmatization, premature death, and inability to attain your dreams. I am pleading that you do not engage in any of it for the sake of your future,” the Governor said through the Commissioner of Tertiary Education Dr Mary Arinde, who represented him.
“Your parents have made huge investments to make you a successful person. The way to pay them back is to shun any activities, associations, and affiliations that will make them cry”.
AbdulRazaq commended Hon Onidugbe for the initiative, and appreciated all security agencies and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the discussion.
“This conversation is not about name-calling or public shaming of anyone who may be involved in any of these social activities we have talked about. It is about giving you fresh perspectives and opening your eyes to the danger associated with these activities, and asking you to make good choices that will give you a head start and make you a valuable member of our community,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Speaker Kwara House of Assembly Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi ably represented by Hon Rukayat Shittu; some cabinet members; State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya; State Commander for NDLEA, Bashir Ibrahim Muhammed; Ilorin Zonal Head for EFCC, Harry Erin; Director, National Orientation Agency, Kwara state branch and a panelist, Olusegun Adeyemi; heads of federal and state institutions, academics, Corps members and students from across the tertiary and secondary levels.
The Minister of Youth Development, who is from Kwara, Hon Jemilat Bío was represented by Prince Momoh Olugbenga; while Hon Yinka Dallas stood in for the Minister of state for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Onidugbe, in his remarks, said the dialogue was organised to raise awareness about the severity of the menace, share experiences and expertise, and collaborate on effective strategies and solutions.
He said it is unfortunate that social immoralities on campuses are on the high side, thereby undermining the efforts of the government and putting the students’ lives at risk. He said there is the need for all key stakeholders to join hands in protecting the students and ensuring their success.
CP Olaiya, for his part, said youth indulge in cultism and cyber crimes because they are in haste and desperate to achieve set goals, admonishing them to thread slowly.
“Some youths are too desperate to get things done. Don’t be in the fast lane. Try to stay on the slow but steady lane, because those who are on steady lane win the race,” he said, pledging to continue to work to rid the state of all forms of crime.
A University don, Prof Mary Fajonyomi, in her lecture, said cyber crimes, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other forms of social immoralities are largely bred from “sick” homes, where she noted, lack the good morals.
Fajonyomi, who decried how poor parenting is fast crippling the society, and tasked all parents and guardians to be alive to their duties by properly monitoring their children, and guide their steps to succeed and become useful.
Adeyemi, in his contribution, said it is important for parents to ensure that their children are properly guided on the use of social media, failing which he said can expose them wrongly.
Prince Momoh Olugbenga, who represented the Minister of Youth Development, commended the state government for its commitment to youth development and how it continues to groom them for a better future.
He said the Federal Government is committed to engaging Nigerian youth positively through training and restraining in entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.