The Chairman, Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Joseph Gbenu, has cautioned youths in against drugs abuse and cultism as he empowered 300 of them.
Gbenu gave the admonition during an awards and youth empowerment programme in the council, to mark the International Youth Day celebration.
The event was organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry-West Chapter, Lagos.
Gbenu presented equipment such as rechargeable clippers, dryers, tile cutters, sewing machines, generating sets, shoe filing machines, vulcanising and grinding machines to 300 of the youths.
According to the chairman, youths, especially those in primary and secondary schools, should stay away from cultism and drug abuse.
“You must adhere to all your parents’ instructions and be obedient to them.
“Stay away from drugs that are strictly prohibited in our society.
“Always imbibe the spirit of discipline and tolerance, and ensure you participate in developing yourselves daily,” he said.
He said his administration had promised to assist youths by providing tools and equipment to artisans who could not afford to buy tools to establish themselves.
“But l believe that empowering our youths, who will be our leaders tomorrow, with equipment and materials will be a better option.
“I promise that the next youth empowerment will be bigger than this year’s programme.
“I am appealing to the beneficiaries of this empowerment not to sell the items for their selfish interest,” the council boss said.
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Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged youths to prepare themselves for any opportunity that could impact positively on them.
Ogunlende urged them to take charge of their destiny to ensure they got to their destinations.
The commissioner, who was the guest of honour at the event, charged the youths to be of good character and seek the counsel of elders.
Coordinator, NYCN Badagry-West LCDA Branch, Mr. David Aladeotan, said youths in the council were working towards the betterment of their beloved communities.
According to him, the NYCN in the council has awarded scholarships to deserving students and created platforms for young entrepreneurs to thrive.
Aladeotan said the essence of the programme was to help youths who had learned a trade such as barbing, hairdressing and fashion designing to be self-reliant.
He said the youth week and award ceremony marked the beginning of a new era of green skills and sustainable progress in the council.
Mr. Samuel Enilari, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman for the gesture and promised to use the items for the progress of the council.