By Esther Onyegbula

In a renewed push to curb rising cases of drug abuse and cultism among young people, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State chapter, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other voluntary organisations, on Friday took its advocacy directly to the streets of Ikorodu, urging youths to shun social vices and embrace civic responsibility.

The campaign, held under the theme “Back to Street Initiative,” drew hundreds of youths who marched across key areas of Ikorodu carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Say No to Drugs,” “Be Youthful and Useful,” “Your PVC is Your Power,” and “Clean Mind, Clean Street, Greater Lagos.”

The initiative, organisers said, is designed to deepen grassroots engagement and will be extended to all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, across the state.
Speaking after the awareness walk, NYCN Lagos Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Adigun, said the programme marked a shift from conventional advocacy methods to a more community-driven approach.

According to him, “the ‘Back to Street Initiative’ was created to take youth advocacy directly to grassroots communities. Unlike previous programmes, this focuses on street-to-street engagement with young people on critical issues such as substance abuse, cultism, and civic responsibility.”

He added that the campaign also aims to sensitise youths on the importance of participating in the electoral process, particularly by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.

“We are amplifying advocacy not just against drug abuse and cultism, but also encouraging youths to engage their civic rights during elections. This initiative allows ordinary people to interact directly with organisers, ask questions, and feel included in governance discussions,” Adigun said.

He stressed the need for sustained collaboration with stakeholders, including local government authorities, traditional rulers, security agencies, and the NDLEA, to ensure the effectiveness of the campaign.

“Young people play a major role in shaping Nigeria’s future. We must remain hopeful despite the challenges and contribute positively to nation-building,” he added.

Responding, Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Mrs Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, commended the initiative and urged youths to lead by example.

“For this advocacy to succeed, it must begin from our homes. Everyone has a role to play in nation-building,” she said.

Similarly, the Alajede of Ijede, Oba Adefarasin Hassan, lauded the youths for the campaign and advised them to leverage social media platforms to amplify their message and explore available government opportunities.

Also speaking, Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Mr Hammed Aroyewun, expressed appreciation to the NYCN leadership for mobilising youths against drug abuse and other social vices.

He pledged continued support for youth-driven initiatives aimed at tackling hard drug use and cultism, describing such efforts as aligned with the government’s development agenda.

“I run an open-door administration. Any youth with ideas on how to bring governance closer to the people is welcome. I have also ensured youth inclusion in my cabinet as a demonstration of my commitment,” Aroyewun said.

In the same vein, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Adedayo Ladega, represented by the council secretary, Mr Yusuf Gbadebo-Lawal, applauded the initiative and encouraged youths to remain actively involved in nation-building efforts.

The advocacy programme featured participation from several voluntary organisations, including the Boys Scout, Girls Brigade, Man O’ War, and the Directorate of Gender and Girl-Child Empowerment, among others, as stakeholders reiterated the urgent need to steer youths away from drug abuse and cultism toward productive engagement in society.