ABEOKUTA – Over 500 residents and community leaders were sensitised on the dangers of drug abuse and cultism at a stakeholders’ engagement held yesterday at the IGP Kayode Egbetokun Police Cooperative Event Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The event, organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Ogun State in partnership with Initiative of Change (IOFC)/Moral Re-Armament (MRA), drew community leaders, security operatives, educators, youths, civil society organisations, and religious institutions.
The Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation (ADWF) played a leading role in the engagement, distributing its Truth About Drug booklets to 546 participants and overseeing the signing of 521 Drug-Free Pledges.
Speaking during the panel session, the Global President of ADWF called for the establishment of more community-based rehabilitation centres, preventive programmes in schools, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and civil society groups to curb drug abuse and cultism.
“Drug abuse and cultism are serious threats to our communities. We must all work together to create preventive structures, rehabilitate affected youths, and promote peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He also called for the establishment of more community-based rehabilitation centres, preventive programmes in schools, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and civil society groups.
Police representatives commended the initiative. The Chairman of PCRC Ogun State said, “We appreciate the continuous support of ADWF. Community engagement like this is key to reducing insecurity linked to drugs and cultism.”
Youth participants also spoke about the impact of the session. One participant, who signed the Drug-Free Pledge, said, “Today has opened my eyes to the dangers of drugs and cultism. I am committed to living a drug-free life and encouraging my friends to do the same.”
All participants made a verbal commitment to promote peace within their families and communities. Youth groups requested mentorship programmes and follow-up engagements to reinforce behavioural change.
