The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), has embarked on a sensitization campaign in Ilorin to address what they described as rising moral decadence among youths in Kwara State.

The campaign, which kicked off with an awareness walk, focused specifically on discouraging harmful social vices said to be gaining ground among young people, including:

• Cultism
• Drug abuse
• Cybercrime
• Ritual practices

Speaking during the walk, the President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, stated that the initiative was aimed at re-awakening traditional values and strengthening community efforts towards curbing these social vices.

"We have been running sensitisation programmes through jingles and summits for years, but this time we decided to adopt a new approach by partnering with NOA for greater impact," he said. "We know we cannot eradicate these vices completely, but we can reduce them to the barest minimum."

Also speaking, Director of Rights, Abuse and Narcotics at NOA Headquarters, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, said the agency aligned with the campaign in response to what she described as disturbing behavioural trends among youths in the state.

"Kwara has always been recognised for decency, discipline and respect for elders. We want residents to know that such moral delinquencies have no place in this society," she said.

Maduekwe disclosed that the walk would be followed by a town hall meeting to engage traditional institutions, religious leaders, security agencies and youth groups on sustainable community-based solutions.

NOA State Director, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiy, urged parents to play a more active role in shaping the character of their children, stressing that "charity begins at home."

"All the behaviours we see in the society originate from the home," he said. "We must guide our children and show them examples worth emulating. If we can redirect the minds of our youths today, we can secure a better tomorrow for our nation."

The delegation later visited the Emir's Palace to seek royal support. Receiving them on behalf of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Baba Isale of Ilorin, Alhaji Sodiq Ile-Apa, commended the initiative and assured of the emirate's support.

He maintained that social vices such as drug abuse and internet fraud are alien to Ilorin culture and pledged continued partnership with stakeholders to uphold moral values in the community.