The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sapele Local Government Area Chapter, has entered into a partnership with BOB and SIL Global Services in a renewed effort to combat the growing menace of drug abuse among young people in the community.
The move followed a courtesy visit by the youth body to the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Bobson Akuyoma, during which he was honoured with an Award of Excellence for his immense contributions to the development of both Sapele and Warri North local government areas.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mr. Akuyoma expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged his readiness to support the youth council’s campaign.
“I am honoured to receive this award, and I take it as a call to do more for our people,” he said. “Drug abuse has become a major challenge among the youth, and I am committed to working with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Sapele Chapter, to make a positive impact. Together, we can reduce the influence of hard drugs in our communities and create opportunities that will empower our young people to channel their energies in the right direction.”
He further stressed that genuine collaboration between private organizations, government institutions, and youth-led groups remained key to tackling social vices threatening the wellbeing of the next generation.
On his part, Chairman of NYCN Sapele Chapter, Comrade Kingsley Abebe, described the partnership as a timely intervention that would deliver long-term benefits for the community.
“We are committed to working together to address the scourge of drug abuse in our community,” Abebe said. “The rate at which this menace is spreading among young people is alarming, but we strongly believe that this collaboration will be a significant step towards achieving our goal of curbing it.”
He lauded Mr. Akuyoma’s philanthropic gestures and exemplary leadership, noting that his willingness to partner with the youth body showed his passion for building a healthier society.
The council explained that the Award of Excellence presented to Mr. Akuyoma was in recognition of his outstanding leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment across Sapele and Warri North. According to the council, his contributions had touched different sectors, including education, skills acquisition, and community development.
During the courtesy visit, plans were discussed on awareness campaigns, sensitization programmes, and rehabilitation initiatives targeted at vulnerable groups.