The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile‑Yussuf, announced that the government will use entertainment to sensitize youths against the illicit use of drugs in the state. Speaking at a press briefing in the state secretariat, she said the initiative will adopt an inter‑ministerial approach, involving the ministries of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Youth and Social Development; and Health.
Akinbile‑Yussuf explained that the government will implement a project called “Acada,” aimed at encouraging people in the entertainment industry to speak out against illicit drugs and their usage. She recalled a recent meeting with a prominent drummer, Ara, who, together with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, discussed the troubling rise of drug use among young people and how entertainment platforms that once promoted such behavior can now be used to combat it.
She noted that, while serving as Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, she had already begun planning the Acada project. The goal is to unite the ministries of Youth, Tourism and Entertainment to address the deep‑seated problem of drug use, which now affects children under ten as well as older youths.
The Ministry of Health will also be involved to trace the sources of these drugs, make access more difficult, and implement rehabilitation and civic engagement programs. Akinbile‑Yussuf emphasized that this will be a comprehensive, inter‑ministerial effort to curb drug abuse across Lagos State.
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