Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, has identified truancy, drug abuse and cultism as some challenges militating against youth development in the country.
Okei-Odumakin made this observation on Thursday during a Pep Talk to mark her birthday with the students of Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Agidingbi, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is entitled: ‘Truancy, Drug Abuse, Cultism and Restoration of Hope to High School Students. Yes, We Can’.
She said that the problem of drug abuse poses a significant threat to the social, health, economic fabrics of the families, society and the entire nation.
“It is sad that drug abuse continues to be a major risk behaviour among youths in Nigeria, with consequent physical and mental health implications.
“Cultism among secondary school students, which is being characterised by some bizarre and violent activities, is becoming the order of the day in our society.
“These vices are mainly caused by peer pressure, lack of parental care, societal decadence, erosion of education standards and lack of recreational facilities in our communities.
“Youths are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have, and we need to urgently curb these social ills among youths and teenagers in our nation,” she said.
Okei-Odumakin said that the situation could still be brought under control through drug education and enlightenment programmes in schools.
“This is why we are here today. There is the need for continued action and watchfulness of parents, education authorities, teachers, women groups and media on our children,” she said.
Also speaking, Saidi Balogun, a Nollywood actor, lamented that parents, stakeholders and society continued to live amid the fears of drug abuse and cultism in the society.
According to him, it is a time bomb waiting to explode if nothing is done urgently.
“All hands must be on deck to curb this menace. It should not be left in the hands of the government alone,” said Balogun.
The school principal, Mr Kola Odesanmi, appreciated the group for organising the pep talk for the students.
According to him, such a programme is a part of civic education that will help to mould the students into responsible citizens in society.
NAN reports that writing materials were distributed to the students by the group.
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