The Ogun Central Youth Unity Advocacy and Empowerment Initiative Foundation (Peace Initiative Committee) has commenced activities to mark its one-year anniversary with a vibrant peace walk and a series of impactful community programs aimed at promoting unity and curbing social vices among youths.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Peace Initiative Committee, Ogun Central, Comrade Akeem Abioro, emphasized the alarming rise of cultism and its devastating impact on young people and society at large.
He noted that the menace has led to widespread violence and loss of lives, creating fear and instability within communities.
According to him, the Peace Initiative Committee was established as a lasting solution to preach the gospel of peace, discourage cultism and drug abuse, and restore hope among youths.
He prayed for God’s continued guidance and appealed to the government to give the organization full support and attention in order to strengthen its efforts.
Also speaking, Mr. Allynson, Chairman of the Sagamu Peace Agenda Forum, highlighted how cultism and youth violence have adversely affected the social fabric of communities.
He said that through sustained awareness campaigns and peace walks, stakeholders have been able to confront the problem by educating young people to reject cultism, hard drugs, and other destructive behaviors.
He reaffirmed the commitment of peace advocates across Ogun Central to continue promoting unity and responsible conduct among youths.
The anniversary celebration began with a well-attended peace walk on Thursday, February 12, drawing participants from Sagamu, Ifo, and other parts of Ogun Central.
The procession commenced at NNPC, moved through Kuto, Nepa Road, Sapon, Isele-Igbehin, Omida and ended at Panseke, with participants chanting messages of love, unity, and a collective stand against cultism and drug abuse.
The Public Relations Officer of the Peace Initiative Committee, Mr. Ifebola Togunwa, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the group through its first year despite numerous challenges.
He highlighted key achievements, including advocacy visits to schools, colleges, universities, and youth forums, as well as the establishment of an emergency response center and hotline for reporting cultism-related issues.
He appreciated the Commissioner of Police, the DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their security support, while also appealing for increased government assistance in the areas of logistics, funding, and security.
Mr. Akintunde Olalekan added that the initiative operates independently through voluntary contributions from members and well-meaning individuals. He acknowledged that the journey has been demanding but said unity and determination have kept the group moving forward.
Another member, Mr. Oluwagbemi Adeyemi, noted that despite initial challenges, including issues of trust, the initiative has made meaningful impact in curbing youth violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
As part of the anniversary activities, a youth lecture will take place on Saturday, February 14, at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, by 10:00 a.m.
The lecture will bring together participants from the six local government areas in Ogun Central and will focus on educating youths about the dangers and consequences of cultism and drug abuse.
Expected at the event are representatives of the NDLEA, the Commissioner of Police, government officials, Civil Defence, and other distinguished personalities.
As the Ogun Central Youth Unity Advocacy and Empowerment Initiative Foundation marks its first anniversary, the organization stands as a symbol of grassroots commitment to peace, unity, and youth development reaffirming its resolve to build a safer and more prosperous society for all.
