The National Anti-Social Vices Club, a pet Club of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria (RAN) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have called on the government, religious leaders and traditional rulers to protect the Nigerian children from violence and drug abuse.
The call was made on Saturday at the 2024 Anti-Social Vices Club (ASVC) Day which held at the First Baptist Church, Oke-Adagba, Saki, Oyo State.
According to the National Coordinator of ASVC, Surveyor Eegundiran Abiodun, the time has come for the society to unite and fight all social vices like drug abuse, violence, corruption, cyber crimes among others which have permeated the society, causing harm to human development.
He saluted the efforts of the NDLEA in curbing the spread of drug abuse and misuse by youths, adding that rising rate of mental illness among youths are traceable to the menace.
"Social vices, in all their forms - drug abuse, violence, corruption, cyber crime and more, are eroding the fabric of our society, they comprise the safety, wellbeing and future of our youth and communities, today, we are reminded that the fight against these Vices is not to be fought by a few but all of us together.
"As the Club under Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria, we are committed to mobilizing resources, educating the public and collaborating with every sector to build a safer tomorrow, a tomorrow where our youths are empowered, our communities are secure and our values of integrity and responsibility are upheld."
The Royal Ambassadors' Marshal, Bitebo Eregoba in his felicitation message to members, said the theme of the year's celebration, "Building A Safer Tomorrow Through Fight Against Social Vices," was apt as all stakeholders are expected to join hands to achieve the feat.
Highlights of the programme include a road walk by members of ASVC and officials of NDLEA, where car stickers, handbills, posters digital banners were distributed and showcased respectively.