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By John Ogunsemore
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III has
pledged his full support for the campaign spearheaded by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), JCC Ondo Axis against drug abuse, suicide and other vices among students and youths in the state.
The Olowo, who is Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, made the pledge on Monday when he received the leadership of the student body in the state led by its Chairman, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye (INEC) in his palace.
Oba Gbadegesin expressed deep concern over the rising trends of drug abuse and suicide, describing them as existential threats to the fabric of the youth and the nation.
He affirmed that the traditional institution, as fathers to all, shares in the responsibility of safeguarding the future of the younger generation.
The monarch promised to not only endorse the initiative but to actively promote it among his fellow royal fathers across the state.
He also emphasised the readiness of the traditional council to collaborate in organising seminars, town hall meetings, and using their platforms to propagate the message against vices and for a life of discipline, purpose, and academic dedication.
Oba Gbadegesin commended Comrade Adeboye and his team for their proactive and responsible approach to leadership, noting that their focus on societal ills marks a commendable and mature departure from the norm.
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He charged the students to remain focused, law-abiding, and to serve as role models to their peers, assuring them that his palace remains open for continuous collaboration.
Earlier, the NANS JCC Ondo Axis Chairman, Comrade Adeboye said his team was in the palace to formally present the new student leadership to the monarch and to enlist his royal and moral authority in combating pressing social issues threatening the youth.
The chairman expressed the deep regard NANS holds for the traditional institution as the custodian of culture and moral values.
After introducing his executive team and outlining the vision of his administration, Comrade Adeboye emphasised a shift towards advocacy and societal reformation.
He harped on the association’s newly intensified campaign against the triple scourge of drug abuse, suicide, and other related social vices prevalent among students and youths.
He highlighted the devastating consequences of these issues, which include academic failure, broken homes, mental health crises, and the loss of promising futures.
He explained that the campaign aims not just at awareness but at proactive intervention, peer education, and the promotion of positive alternatives.
He therefore, on behalf of all Nigerian students in Ondo State, formally requested the full support, guidance, and endorsement of the Olowo of Owo and, by extension, the entire Council of Obas.
He stressed that the influence of traditional rulers is paramount in shaping community perspectives and that their partnership would lend immense credibility and reach to the campaign.
