Ikorodu Division peace initiative (IDPIL), NDLEA, NYCN Ikorodu Branch and supported by other organizations, campaign against drug abuse and crime in Ikorodu Division on 13th of February. The campaign train visited various areas including Ayangburen palace, Ebute Iga, Ipakodo, Ibeshe, under Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Ikorodu West, and Igbogbo palace.

During their visit to Kabiyesi, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom. He expressed his appreciation to Ikorodu Division peace initiative, Addressing the NDLEA he emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of drug abuse among the youth, acknowledging that while they may not be able to correct everyone, even small efforts can make a significant impact.

The Ayangburen shared a particular incident where a community reported drug sales at an event center, leading to the arrest of the center’s owner and subsequent closure. He commended IDPIL for taking the “Say No to Drugs” campaign to every nook and cranny of Ikorodu, emphasizing their efforts in Ikorodu Division have not gone unnoticed. He concluded by expressing his gratitude and praying for divine rewards for everyone involved in the initiative.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola mentioned that they have toured in Ibeshe, under Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, after going through Ikorodu West, Ebute Iga, Ipakodo, and Igbogbo palace. Their main focus is to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use, especially among young people. They have observed cases of young individuals experiencing unexplainable influences and even going mad due to drug use.

As part of their initiative, Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola mentioned the “share agenda,” which includes key areas such as Security, Education, Health, Environment, and road infrastructure under IDPiL. They are working closely with the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, as it is a recognized private institution where training and operations are conducted. Their ultimate goal is to ensure peace in Ikorodu, and they have seen positive results, with a noticeable reduction in the issue of Baddoo since their efforts began, she thanked Odofin Adewunmi Ogusanya for his continuous support towards IDPiL.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinshola also highlighted their collaboration with the Nigeria National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address the drug issue further.

Mr. Salami Awolaru, the director of finance and administration, Ikorodu division. He said the awareness is to sensitize the whole of Ikorodu that the effect of drugs is not something to write out. “When you see people on drugs, it has affected their life style, put them in lots of trouble and if they can’t get another drugs, they won’t be okay”. He said they want the community to be aware that taking drugs will make the society useless.

The renowned Nollywood actor, Adewale Elesho, expressed his appreciation to IDPIL for organizing a meaningful initiative like this. Elesho emphasized the negative impact of drug abuse on the lives of young people. He also criticized youths who complain about unemployment after dropping out of school. Elesho advised individuals to be mindful of the company they keep and to start making positive choices from a young age.

Mr. Stephen Ogunsuwa Outgoing Commander NDLEA Ikorodu Command he said “Drug is snatching our youths. I appreciate the IDPIL and I tagged them one of the best organization in Ikorodu. I appreciate Ikorodu Division peace initiative for always giving the NDLEA support. We will move around the different wards to sensitize them about the harmful effects of hard drugs.”

In rounding up the campaign for the Day 1, the campaign train visit the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya the Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom received the team on behalf of Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, he said “I appreciate this great step taken by IDPIL, what the drugs are doing to our youths of today is not a good one at all, yet they are not stopping, I hope this campaign against drugs abuse will touch the heart of most of them, to the NDLEA, the sellers of these hard drugs are the major issue of these young people misfortune, and I  Implore you to do the needful if such acts persist.”