Politics
Oyo Rep, Oseni Unveils Holistic Approach To Combat Drug Abuse
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, has unveiled innovative strategies to combat youth drug abuse in the area.
His transformative agenda, known as the 3Es, focuses on Youth Education, Engagement, and Empowerment.
Recognising the alarming rates of drug abuse among Nigerian youth, Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), embarked on a dedicated journey marked by visionary leadership.
The 3Es agenda, which targets the root causes of substance abuse, was elucidated by the lawmaker during the Special Edition of Bayo Faleke Annual Public Lecture On Radio. According to the APC chieftain, his motivation stems from firsthand experiences during the electioneering campaign, where he witnessed the pervasive influence of drug abuse on vulnerable youth.
During interactions with youth in his constituency, Oseni said he encountered resistance to all forms of assistance, leading him to adopt a multifaceted approach to address the issue effectively.
“During my campaigns, I encountered many youths who were overwhelmed by drug abuse. I held a session with them in the Ijokodo area of my constituency. We had a discussion lasting almost 2 to 3 hours, during which I specifically expressed my intention to empower them, provide financial support, assist with their education and careers, and help in any way possible.
“I was deeply troubled when some of them expressed disinterest in these opportunities, insisting that all they wanted was money. They conveyed that they were content with their current situation. This revelation saddened me deeply.
“I also visited the second local government area within my constituency and encountered a similar situation. The sheer number of youths following me made me realise the magnitude of the challenge I faced in addressing youth issues comprehensively. This realisation prompted me to focus on what I call the 3Es,” he remarked.
Under Youth Education, Oseni initiated programmes to alleviate financial burdens on students and ensure equal access to educational opportunities by covering the costs of WAEC and JAMB examinations among others.
The lawmaker’s Youth Engagement efforts prioritized sustainable employment opportunities over short-term solutions like providing motorcycles. Through the appointment of over 60 Special Assistants, Oseni aimed to foster a sense of purpose and belonging within the community.
Youth Empowerment was central to Oseni’s strategy, with a substantial N100 million grant allocated to support youth businesses and deter criminal activities and drug abuse.
He stressed the importance of advocating for the removal of affected youths from the streets, emphasising the role of prayer alongside government efforts to curb drug abuse.
“I identify with some of them and to the glory of God, I have plucked them from the streets, and their lives have improved. As a legislator, alongside the ongoing efforts by the federal government to curb drug abuse among our youth, including the strengthening of NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies, advocating for the removal of these affected youths from the streets is crucial. Additionally, prayer plays a vital role in all situations, and we must continue to pray for them,” the lawmaker added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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