Comrade Dauda Leads Constituents On Fitness Walk As He Marks 1st Anniversary & IYD

ADEOLA OGUNLADE 

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), on Monday led over residents, youths, council officials and stakeholders on a Fitness Walk and Youth Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Cultism and Other Illicit Vices as part of activities marking his administration’s first anniversary in office.

The exercise, which also commemorated International Youth Day (IYD), commenced at about 8:30 a.m. from the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, with participants moving through Allen Avenue, Toyin Roundabout, Oriyomi, Ipondo, Bank Anthony and Kodeso.

Dressed in blue T-shirts bearing the logos of Ikeja Local Government, AKOD and International Youth Day, the participants used the walk to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and other illicit activities. They carried placards with inscriptions including “Our Youth: Our Future,” “Say No to Drugs,” “Say No to Illicit Vices,” “Say No to Cultism,” “Drug Destroys Dreams” and “There is Pride in Life Behind Bars.”

Speaking at the event, Comrade Dauda said the fitness walk was designed to officially kick-start the three-day activities marking the first anniversary of his administration, adding that the campaign was deliberately chosen to promote healthy living and draw attention to the dangers confronting young people.

He said the anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate but also a time for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to the people of Ikeja.

According to him, “Today’s walk is more than physical exercise. We are walking for healthy bodies, healthy minds, peaceful communities and a brighter future for our young people. We are saying no to drug abuse, no to cultism, violence and criminality, and yes to education, skills, sports, entrepreneurship and productive living.”

The chairman described youths as the greatest assets of the community, urging them to reject drugs, cultism and crime and instead embrace education, skills acquisition, sports and legitimate entrepreneurial opportunities.

“As we celebrate one year in office, we recognise that there is still much more to do. Our first anniversary is not an end, but a new beginning and a renewed commitment to doing more for our people,” he said.

Dauda also called for collective action in the fight against drug abuse and cultism, noting that government alone could not solve the problem. He urged parents, schools, religious institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and youths to work together to protect young people and provide them with positive alternatives.

He assured residents that his administration would, in its second year, continue to prioritise education, youth empowerment, healthcare, environmental sustainability and social welfare programmes aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.