Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling drug abuse in the state.
This was as he urged those battling with drug abuse not to lose hope, promising that his administration would ensure a healthier and brighter future for them.
Adeleke gave the assurance on Tuesday at the flag-off of the Imole War Against Drug Abuse in Osun public schools held at Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa.
Represented by the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs Adenike Adeleke, the governor said the goal of the campaign was to ensure that no student or youth is left unaware of the dangers of drugs and their devastating effects.
Mrs Adeleke said the campaign team will visit all schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.
She said, “Today marks the beginning of the Imole War Against Drug Abuse campaign. We are starting here at your school, and we plan to visit all schools across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Our goal is simple: no student or youth should be left unaware of the dangers of drugs and their devastating effects. You may have heard about drug abuse, but let me emphasise this.
“It is a slow poison that destroys your future. Once you engage in drug use, it damages your relationships with your family, friends, and peers, and it can derail your academic and personal aspirations.
“We are not here to condemn anyone. Instead, we want to offer support to those who are struggling with drug abuse, to help them break free from these harmful habits and build a better life for themselves.”
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Federal Affairs, Mr Adelani Aderinola, said the campaign aligned with the fourth point of Governor Adeleke’s 5-point agenda, which is the people-focused social policy.
Aderinola urged the students to make choices that would shape them well for the future, telling them that whatever choices they make would impact their future.
“This exercise, which is in line with the 4th-point of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s 5-point agenda, which is the people-focused social policy.
“The choice you make today, including those related to substance use, can have a lasting impact on your life. We are here today to talk about the risks of drug abuse, to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices.
“You are at a critical juncture in your lives, where you are figuring out who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to achieve. And I want to remind you that your future is in your hands. Your dreams, your aspirations, and your potential are worth protecting,” he noted.
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