Lagos seeks Public-Private cooperation to curb drug abuse

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its committed to putting an end to the scourge of drug abuse in the State, thereby appealing to school administrators, parents and youth focused/ related stakeholders to support government in its fight against drug abuse.
According to the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Agboola Dabiri, drug abuse has eaten too deep into the larger part of the society as many in and out of school youths are addicted to the act, resulting into social nuisance across the country.
Dabiri, who made the appeal at an interactive session with Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYO) and Youth focused Non-governmental Organizations(NGOs) at Onikan Youth Center, Onikan, Lagos noted that government alone is not capable of determining the course of any society without the input of parents, schools, religious and non-governmental organizations.
His words, “we hereby call on parents, schools and community at large, particularly voluntary youth organizations and Non-governmental Organizations to support government. Effects of drug abuse in our society today cannot be overemphasized. You see all sort of abnormalities, this is unfair to our future.”
He urged the Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYO) and Youth focused Non-Governmental Organizations to be committed in deliverying the mandate of their establishment and shun every form of conspiracy against government intention for approving their activities across the State.
The Commissioner further charged the VYOs and Youth focused NGOS to be accountable in their activities to their donors, noting that healthy communication which lies between youths, the Stakeholders involved and government will bring about a concession of progress in tackling social ills collectively.
“As a government, our aim is clear, our intentions are clearly spelt. We need you (VYOs) and Youth focused NGOS to bare in mind that you have our trust. But we appeal to you, do not yield to a compromise that differs from the motive of government approving your activities.”
Dabiri used the occasion to warn pharmaceutical stores involved in selling banned drugs to youths to stop, as non compliance will amount to closure of shops and prosecution by law.