The Peace Initiative Committee, Ogun Central, has intensified its campaign against cultism, drug abuse and youth violence with a public lecture and a mass peace walk held in Abeokuta to mark its first anniversary.
The events, held on Saturday at the June 12 Cultural Centre and across major streets in the state capital, drew youths, security agencies and community stakeholders who called for collective action to address rising social vices in the state.
Speaking at the anniversary lecture, Chairman of the committee, Comrade Abioro Micheal, popularly known as Akoko Rugged, said the group had in the last one year facilitated dialogue, mediated community disputes and strengthened collaboration between residents and security agencies.
He described drug abuse as a major trigger of violent crimes among youths and urged parents, religious leaders and community heads to be more proactive in mentoring young people.
A highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by a representative of the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, who spoke on “Drug Abuse as a Root Cause of Violence and Practical Solutions to Combat Hard Drugs and Youth Violence.”
The agency linked substance abuse to increasing cases of cult clashes and other violent crimes, recommending sustained awareness campaigns, community-based interventions and closer cooperation between families and law enforcement authorities.
Also speaking, CSP Murphy, Officer in Charge of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State, emphasised grassroots mediation and early conflict resolution as critical to preventing escalation of violence.
He urged youths to shun cultism and criminal activities, noting that peace and development could only thrive in a secure environment.
The event featured goodwill messages, an interactive session with participants, cultural performances and the presentation of awards to individuals who have supported the committee’s peace-building initiatives.
In a related development, the committee led hundreds of youths on a peaceful rally across Abeokuta in what organisers described as a show of unity against social vices.
The walk commenced at the NNPC Filling Station, Kuto, and moved through Kuto Garage, Ishabo, Ibara, Omida and terminated at the Skating Ground, Panseke.
Participants carried placards with inscriptions promoting discipline, lawful conduct and community development, while condemning cult-related violence, drug abuse and other criminal acts.
Addressing the gathering at the end of the walk, Abioro urged young people to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.
“Our future depends on the choices we make today. We must reject violence and embrace unity if we truly desire development,” he said.
Other officials of the committee, including the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Ifebola Togunwa, and the Secretary, Comrade Lawal Olawale, reiterated the group’s commitment to sustained advocacy and community engagement.
Organisers said the anniversary activities were not only a celebration of milestones recorded within one year of operation but also a renewed call for collective responsibility in tackling insecurity and social decay across Ogun Central.
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