Ekiti youths march against drugs, commend NDLEA, youth groups for tackling menace
By Uzor Odigbo
Ekiti State Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr. Olusola Osetoba, has once again stepped beyond sports administration to lead youth protection efforts. She rallied young people, students, and key stakeholders in Emure Local Government Area for a powerful anti-drug awareness campaign.
The high-impact event, held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, saw Emure youths take to the streets in a colourful yet hard-hitting placard procession. Their clear message: Ekiti youths choose purpose over pills.
Organised by the Nigerian Youth Congress, Emure Youths Movement, and Students’ Union Leaders in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the sensitisation rally drew a broad range of stakeholders, civil society actors, and community leaders.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials featuring sharp, conversation-starting messages were distributed throughout the town, transforming the streets into moving classrooms on the dangers of substance abuse.
At the centre of the mobilisation was Dr. Osetoba, whose role in Ekiti increasingly integrates sports development, youth empowerment, and public health advocacy.
Addressing participants, she warned that drug addiction is rapidly becoming a public health emergency among young people, stressing that the fight must extend beyond slogans.
“Drug abuse is not just a moral issue; it is a scientific, social, and developmental challenge,” she said.
“If we want a strong sporting culture, productive youths, and a safe society, we must tackle addiction with data, education, early intervention, and sustained community engagement.”
She highlighted sports as one of the most effective prevention tools, noting that it instils discipline, purpose, and positive peer influence.
According to her, Ekiti’s sports development agenda is deliberately aligned with youth-focused programmes to keep young people engaged, healthy, and free from destructive habits.
Dr. Osetoba commended the NDLEA and youth organisations for owning the campaign, emphasising that youth-led advocacy is essential to winning the war against drugs.
The Emure rally further solidified Dr. Osetoba’s reputation as more than a sports administrator. From nurturing grassroots talent and championing youth policies to driving anti-drug efforts, she continues to shape a healthier, more resilient generation of Ekiti youths.
As the placards were lowered and the march concluded, the message echoed across Emure: In Ekiti, the pursuit of sports excellence and youth development now firmly includes standing against drug abuse—with Dr. Olusola Osetoba at the forefront.
