The Chairman of the Peace Initiative Committee, Comrade Akeem Akoko, has advised Nigerian youths to stop using hard drugs and embrace peace, saying that peace brings development.
He gave this advice on Sunday during a meeting between the Peace Initiative Committee in Ogun State and members of different cult groups in Ewekoro Local Government Area. The meeting was held to reduce cultism and maintain peace during the festive season.
During the meeting, some cult members said they are not usually the cause of violence in the area, but that outsiders often come in to cause trouble. The Peace Initiative Committee advised them to always report any outsiders who come to cause problems so the committee can act quickly.
One of the cult members also asked if they could reveal the identity of anyone who causes trouble among them after the meeting. The committee welcomed the idea and said once such information is provided, they will handle the matter.
Hard drug abuse was another major topic discussed. Some cult members admitted that drug users among them are the major cause of problems, as they often fight, shout, and disturb the community after taking drugs. The Peace Initiative Committee assured them that efforts are ongoing to address drug abuse and that awareness against hard drugs will continue.
The committee also asked them to create a WhatsApp group to quickly share information whenever there is a problem or an emerging crisis, so it can be resolved on time.
The Chairman of the committee, Comrade Akeem Abioro, urged them to share everything discussed at the meeting with their members who were not present and to warn them against causing trouble in the society. He said anyone caught causing unrest will face the law.
He further warned that if anyone involved in violence escapes, those who attended the meeting could be held responsible since their details have been collected.
Comrade Abioro also encouraged them to be good ambassadors and positive examples in their communities.
Earlier, the Public Relations Officer of the Peace Initiative Committee, Comrade Ifebola Togunwa, welcomed everyone and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to promote peace, guide the youths properly, and ensure lasting peace in Ewekoro Local Government.
He also informed them about an upcoming event planned for next year in Abeokuta and invited them to participate.
