The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of drugs and negative internet influences, warning that both vices have ruined many promising lives.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of Forge Camp 3.0, a mentoring outfit for 100 boys held at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, Oyelade described youthfulness as an exciting but vulnerable stage that often exposes young people to costly mistakes.
“Young people are always in a hurry to taste the good things of life, and in that process, they sometimes embrace both the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he said. “That is why genuine mentoring is important. Sadly, many of our youths now take guidance from partners in crime instead of positive role models.”
The commissioner identified drug abuse and wrong internet exposure as the most toxic threats facing today’s youths, stressing that both have thrown many families into chaos. He therefore charged parents to pay closer attention to what their children watch, read, and the company they keep.
Oyelade encouraged youths to embrace mentoring and resist distractions, reminding them that God created everyone for a purpose. According to him, though life is full of challenges, young people are uniquely configured to overcome them and must strive to live lives free of indiscipline and vices.
“If you succeed, you are obeying God’s instruction, making your parents proud, and avoiding costly mistakes,” he said, urging the participants to be shining examples of success.
He also commended the Hope for Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC) for rehabilitating youths and discouraging them from drug addiction and other vices, describing its effort as “a noble but tough task.”
Declaring the camp open, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, represented by Engineer Salam Adebayo, described the initiative as a vital step in preparing youths for a digital and sustainable future. He noted that the program aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s reforms, including the recent distribution of tablets to 18,000 teachers to boost digital learning.
Addressing the 100 beneficiaries, Adebayo said: “You are indeed fortunate to be here. This experience will broaden your horizons, awaken your potentials, and the connections you make will last a lifetime.”
In her welcome address, the Executive director of Hope For Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC) Ibukunoluwa Otesile, stressed the need to give equal attention to both boys and girls in tackling crime, abuse, and moral decay. She explained that findings from her research showed many sex offenders were once victims of abuse in childhood, underscoring the urgent need for early guidance counselling.
Otesile added that while advocacy for the girl child is vital, neglecting the boy child would worsen issues such as violence, substance abuse, and crime. She said Forge Camp was established to nurture children with strong values, discipline, and purpose so they can grow into responsible leaders capable of transforming the nation.
