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By Abdullah Ahmed
National Orientation Agency, NOA, has called for sustained community action against drug abuse and domestic violence to promote healthy lifestyles, peaceful homes and respect for human rights.
Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Isa Onilu, made the call during a sensitisation campaign against drug abuse and domestic violence held in Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the member representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Tijani Kayode Ismail.
Mallam Onilu, who was represented by the Director of the Abuse, Right and Narcotics Department, Mrs Acharu Opaluwa, said drug abuse could undermine the physical and mental health of young people, reduce productivity and contribute to road accidents and criminal activities.
He stressed that domestic violence could lead to physical injuries, displacement, health complications and loss of lives.
The NOA Director-General urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, teachers, youth groups and other community stakeholders to intensify public awareness and encourage victims of domestic violence and drug addiction to seek appropriate support.
In a presentation on domestic violence, a representative of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Barrister Olajumoke Olaoye, stressed that domestic violence should not be justified or concealed under the guise of culture, tradition or family privacy.
Barrister Olaoye maintained that everyone deserves safety, dignity and access to justice, urging Nigerians to report cases of human rights violations to the appropriate authorities.
Similarly, the representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Samsudeen Amali, described drug addiction and domestic violence as major social challenges that threaten public health, family stability, human dignity and sustainable development.
He called on community members to take responsibility for spreading the campaign’s messages and supporting efforts to build a safer and healthier society.
In his remarks, the lawmaker representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Mr Tijani Kayode Ismail, said the initiative reflected his commitment to protecting young people and strengthening families and communities.
Mr Ismail, who was represented by a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr Razaq Owolabi, said that while material support such as food and cash remained important, the health, security and dignity of citizens were equally essential to community development.
The lawmaker also urged political actors and residents to promote issue-based campaigns, peace, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, while shunning hate speech and ethnic sentiments.
The Kwara State Director of the NOA, Alhaji Ibrahim Yakubu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to grassroots engagement and sustained public enlightenment to prevent drug abuse, combat domestic violence and promote responsible behaviour across the state.
Alhaji Yakubu commended Mr Tijani Kayode Ismail for partnering with the agency to promote positive values and mobilise residents against social vices.
