OMU-ARAN (KWARA) – A community leader in Kwara State, Chief Festus Awoniyi, on Wednesday [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
called for collective action by all Nigerians to address the high rate of drug related crimes in the country.
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Awoniyi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
He said the fight against drug abuse and related crimes was beyond the scope of government alone.
“It is time stakeholders rise up to the challenge, because it is obvious government alone cannot win the fight.
“The issue of the high number of our youths in crime, both male and female, either in prisons or facing possible execution across the globe had assumed an alarming proportion.
“These bad eggs among the youths do not only give our country a bad reputation, but regrettably are also considered future leaders hoping to shape the destiny of this country.
“It is time for all, be it parents, teachers, community leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, to assist government to reduce the menace of youth involvement in crime,” Awoniyi said.
He commended the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for its recent achievements in curbing financial crimes in the country.
“We must commend EFCC team especially the recent reported foiling of fraudulent financial transactions involving some Nigerians and foreign victims,’’ he said.
Awoniyi, who is also the local council Chairman of Police/Community Relations Committee, urged all levels of government in the country to create employment opportunities in order to steer away the youths from criminal tendencies. (NAN)