PROTOCOL
I am pleased to be part of this program that seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the available assistance in restoring social decency to our society.
Drug addiction is a worrisome menace in our contemporary society and no one can pretend that this menace does not exist. The earlier we begin to tackle the daunting challenges posed by this monster, the better for our youths and the social health of our society.
It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to commend the Creative Industry Group, led by the President, Amb. Felix Duke, Executives, and Members of this Group for initiating this laudable program which focuses on rehabilitating, educating, and empowering persons facing the unpleasant consequences of drug-related conditions.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the youths are the strength of every Nation and they play vital roles in the society. They utilize their skills for the economic growth and political stability of the society. It is important to stress that the youth have the power to make a difference in nation-building and as such must be guided on the right path.
All relevant stakeholders present at this event need to work together towards proffering lasting solutions to various vices that affect the younger generation or prevent them from attaining their full potential.
This program tagged “The Drug Abuse Conference; Generation Next and the Implosion” is quite apt considering the rate at which children and youth get involved in abusing drugs and other vices.
This Conference will serve as a viable means of galvanizing urgent responses from relevant stakeholders to address the threats that drug abuse poses to youth security, safety, and sustainable development of our State. To this end, all hands must be on deck to curtail these challenges faced by the younger generation who are our present and future leaders.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, towards realizing a safe and secure environment for our citizens, the Office of the First Lady has initiated various interventions and support programs for our children, youths, and women, empowering them with relevant skills to meet the demands of our society.
These programs include the Boy Child initiative, the Lagos Exam Support, Youth Collabo, the Financial and Skills Empowerment program for the less privileged in society, among other empowerment initiatives aimed at supporting our younger generation towards realizing their aspirations and engaging them productively.
I therefore urge all our children and youths to have the right attitude and strive to reflect nothing but excellence. The world is now a global village with no room for mediocrity and this means that our youth must always be at their best. They must be focused and position themselves for the emerging world.
I also advise parents to guide their children diligently and care for them, this will enable them to be free and relate their challenges as friends without restrictions.
This Conference will further enlighten our younger generation on the harmful effects of drugs. I count on the various facilitators of this event to dissect all issues relating to social vices and their consequences.
On our part as a government, we will not relent in our commitment and passion to sustain and scale up the fight against drug and substance abuse as well as illicit trafficking through the Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry of Health and other relevant MDAs.
No effort will be spared to win the war against this menace.
Thank you for your attention.
Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose ni !!!
Dr. (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu
First Lady of Lagos State
Tuesday, 28th November, 2023
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