The Deputy Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Chief Lukmon Atobatele who stated this in Abeokuta during an empowerment programme he organised to mark this year's international youth Day, said this is the only way by which the youths who are the labour force of the Nation Can be better utilised for the good of the Country.
He said the empowerment programme was to support and encourage the youth in his constituency.
Speaking on the topic, "Drug menace and its effects on Nigerian Youth", Chief Atobatele, decried the alarming rate at which youths engage in drug abuse saying, "the effects and menace of drugs are far-reaching, as it affects both physical and mental health".
According to him, " the drug menace refers to the widespread availability, distribution and abuse of substances such as illegal drugs, prescription medication and alcohol among young people".
The Deputy Minority Leader said, "such substance abuse can lead to organ damage, impaired immune system, death, mental health, educational setbacks, financial instability, relationship strain, other risky behaviours and criminal involvement among others".
Chief Atobatele called on government to prioritise the empowerment and development of Nigerian youths by formulating programmes and policies that would encourage them.
A key note address was later delivered by Hon. Nurudeen Adekambi, who advised youths to engage in positive activities and not be dettered by the prevailing economic situations.
