Hundreds of youths on Friday stormed streets across Ikorodu, Lagos, promoting anti-drug messages and civic participation under the ‘Back to Street Initiative.’
The campaign was organised by the Lagos State branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Other partners included the Boys Scout, Girls Brigade, Man O War, and the Directorate of Gender and Girl Child Empowerment.
Participants marched with placards bearing messages such as ‘Say No to Drugs’ and ‘Your PVC is Your Power.’
The initiative began across Ikorodu and adjoining council development areas in Lagos East.
Organisers said the programme would eventually cover all 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas statewide.
NYCN Lagos Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Adigun, said the initiative targeted grassroots youth engagement.
“Back to Street Initiative was created to take youth advocacy directly to communities and streets,” Adigun said.
He said the campaign was designed to confront cultism, drug abuse and political apathy among young Nigerians.
“Unlike previous programmes, this allows direct engagement with ordinary people and creates room for questions and participation,” he said.
Adigun said the council was working with local governments, traditional rulers, police authorities and NDLEA for wider impact.
He urged youths to remain hopeful and contribute positively toward national development in spite of current national challenges.
“Young people have a major role in shaping Nigeria’s future through elections, responsibility and nation-building,” he added.
Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area, Mrs Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, also praised the initiative.
“This advocacy should begin from every home. We must all join hands in building the nation,” she said.
Traditional ruler, the Alajede of Ijede, Oba Adefarasin Hassan, commended the youths and offered his royal blessings.
He encouraged them to use social media platforms to deepen awareness and explore available government opportunities.
Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Mr Hammed Aroyewun, pledged support for the movement.
“We will continue supporting youth efforts against hard drugs, cultism and other social vices,” Aroyewun said.
He urged young people with innovative governance ideas to approach his administration, describing it as open and inclusive.
Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Adebayo Ladega, also commended the youths and urged them to sustain their contribution to nation-building. He was represented by Council secretary, Yusuf Gbadebo-Lawal.
