Shun Cultism, Drug Abuse, Truancy - Hon. Egunjobi Advises Youths

In a bid to nip the prevalence of youths involvement in all forms of social vices in the bud, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has advised youths in Agege and Lagos State to eschew the act of drug abuse, cultism and all forms of social vices.

Egunjobi stated this at the National Campaign on cultism for Secondary School students across Agege LGA which was organised by Agege Local Government in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

He recalled that youth empowerment was a major agenda on his manifesto during the chairmanship electioneering process adding that his administration is working tirelessly towards eradicating the nefarious social menaces such as drug abuse and cultism prevalent among Agege youths.

The youthful council boss reiterated that efforts are being put in place to engage the youths in various vocational trainings such as Computer Training, Cosmetology, Hairdressing, Catering/Hotel Management, Computer Engineering, Bead Making which would help students/youths to become useful to themselves and the society at large.

“Our administration will organize sensitization campaign and workshop, purposely to let the youth be aware of the dangers in being a secret cult member, its negative effects on them as a person and on the society at large.” Egunjobi asserted.

The Council Medical Officer of Health, MOH, Dr. Akintayo who advised the students to desist from consuming hard substances such as narcotics, cultism, and other illegal activities, said the social vices can truncate the brighter future that God has created for them.

Speaking with Agege Pulse Magazine, DPO, Isokoko Police Division, SP Ayuba NAS, he said crime rate in Agege has drastically reduced to nothing as a result of the monthly security meeting with other Security Agencies and  stakeholders.

He added that the police division is partnering with the youth in order to gather intelligence on how to checkmate the excesses of the evil perpetrators among the youths.

Head of Administration LGA, Engr. Abass, HoD WAPA, Mrs. Odetola, Mr. Ali Ahmed, NDLEA Commandant among other notable dignitaries were all present.

Cancer and HIV/AIDs awareness: LASG seeks private sector partnership

The Lagos State Government has identified the need to explore the private sector involvement in its drive to increase public awareness on Cancer and HIV/AIDs as part of efforts to stem the spread of the deadly diseases.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said that there is a need for the Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations to continually support and partner with government in the area of research and public education of these common diseases in the society.

Speaking at an awareness outreach on Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening and HIV Testing and Counseling for Youth in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area of the State, Akinbile-Yussuf added that the obligation of raising awareness about the potential killer diseases should be collectively pursued and not to be left to government alone.

She lamented that presently, there are no sufficient awareness and knowledge on the causes of breast cancer among young people, stressing that the level of awareness about the signs to look out for when undergoing breast cancer examination should be improved upon.

She said although the state government is aware of the heavy burden the diseases places on victims, the increment in awareness at all public and professional places will go a long way in reducing the spread with the assistance of other health intervention programmes in the state.

She added that research from the private sector will assist the government make adequate provision particularly on breast and cervical cancer awareness campaigns and also make some informed decisions.

The Commissioner urged youths and residents of the area to utilize the free screening, testing and counseling made available for them by the State government

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola appealed to Lagosians to show affection to friends and relatives who are affected by any of the diseases, saying the diseases could be life-threatening at some stages.

He said the screening is in continuation of the global wakeup call for everyone to embrace seeking medical assistance when necessary.

Muri-Okunola advised the people to avail themselves with good health through eating a balanced diet; regular exercise and early detection to reduce chances of being infected with cancer, urging them to also raise awareness in their environments.

The Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Hon. Seriki Muritala who spoke on HIV prevention and care enjoined patients of the disease not to lose hope but should seek counseling from certified counselors in all government-owned hospitals in the state.