His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, has praised the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for launching a robust campaign against cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices. The commendation came during an interview on the sidelines of the “Cultism: A Menace and Threat to Education and Economy” summit organized by the Nigeria Police Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in partnership with the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe Division.
The event took place on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at the Augustine University (AUI) Convocation Hall in Ilara, Epe. Oba Ogunsanwo, a revered royal figure, expressed his support for the advocacy by sponsoring 1,000 copies of a book titled “Nigerian Youth in Cultism and Social Vices: A Moral Guide Book.”
Highlighting the collaborative effort between royal fathers and government at all levels, the Alara of Ilara emphasized the importance of sensitizing students against the negative impact of cultism, drug addiction, and other social vices. He noted that the presence of representatives from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the NDLEA, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District underscored the severity of the issues.
“I want to thank our Inspector General of Police for that initiative. The students asked a lot of questions that had been bothering their minds. Not only that, we also sponsored a handbook that can be a guide that will teach them the dos and don’ts as well as insights on how they can avoid and abstain from these issues.
“One thousand copies of these books have been supplied and will be distributed to our youngsters. Our youth represent our future, with nearly 55% of our overall population falling within the youth category. Failing to enlighten them would be a significant error. Therefore, I strongly encourage them to reject cultism, drug abuse, addiction, and other social vices.”
Earlier in his compelling goodwill message, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom addressed the pressing issue of cultism and drug abuse among the youth. Highlighting the grave threat these vices pose to education and the economy, an erudite tax professional harps on the need for a collective effort to combat societal tragedies.
Emphasizing the infiltration of cultism into educational institutions, the message stresses the need for robust educational programs, community involvement, mentorship, and accessible support systems. The Alara affirms unwavering dedication to fostering a community free from these vices and calls for a formidable alliance to nurture a society where education thrives and the economy flourishes.
The message concludes with a hopeful vision of a future untainted by destructive vices, achievable through united resolve and proactive measures.
