LASG warns pupils against drug abuse, cultism

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has warned pupils against drug abuse, cultism and truancy, urging them to remain focused on their education and avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.

Hamzat gave the warning during the fourth edition of the Renewed Hope Back-to-School Project organised by the lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency I in the state House of Assembly, Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon.

The distribution held at Dr Teslim Elias Primary School, Lagos Island, saw over 10,000 primary and secondary school pupils benefit from the distribution of school bags, stationery and other educational materials.

Hamzat, represented by the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate, Damilola James, urged the pupils to “take their studies seriously, respect their teachers and parents, and remain committed to their academic goals.”

Hamzat said, “I also urge parents and guardians to take an active interest in their children’s education.

“I also encourage teachers to provide the guidance and support needed to nurture disciplined and academically successful pupils.”

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Lagos State APC Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, Musiliu Obanikoro, commended Oyekan-Olumegbon for the initiative, saying it aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly the administration’s commitment to strengthening education.

Obanikoro said the project demonstrated the lawmaker’s commitment to improving educational access, empowering young people and supporting families across Lagos Island Constituency I and beyond.

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Speaking at the event, Oyekan-Olumegbon said education remained one of the most important investments in the future of any society.

She recalled that the project began with 170 pupils receiving school bags, notebooks and stationery during its inaugural edition but had since expanded to reach children across the 10 wards of her constituency.

The lawmaker said the initiative followed a commitment she made upon assuming office in 2023 to implement practical interventions that addressed residents’ needs and created opportunities for vulnerable members of the community.

She said, “This project is designed not only to provide school materials but also to reassure children from disadvantaged backgrounds that their education and future matter.”

Oyekan-Olumegbon disclosed that the Back-to-School Project was one of 16 initiatives she undertook annually to support her constituents, adding that she planned to expand the number of projects if re-elected in the 2027 general elections.

She appealed to parents, guardians and teachers to ensure that beneficiaries retained and properly used the educational materials rather than having them taken away from the children.

Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, represented by the Director of Basic Education, Bosede Adumasi, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in supporting children’s education.

She commended the initiative as one that eases the financial burden on parents and guardians, urging stakeholders to sustain their support for initiatives that expand learning opportunities.

“The project would ease the cost of schooling for parents, encourage school attendance and support pupils’ academic development, particularly those from low-income households,” Dokunmu-Adegbite said.