Stakeholders in Kwara State have highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to tackle cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices within the state.

At the inaugural annual convention of the Zero Tolerance for Social Immoralities Initiative (ZETSI) Africa, held in Ilorin, the state capital, its chairperson, Ambassador Razak Jeje, underscored the significant threat that cult-related violence and drug abuse pose to the future of young Nigerians.

Ambassador Jeje stressed the importance of a united approach to combat the proliferation of these societal challenges, urging all stakeholders to work together in fostering a safer and more morally upright community.

“This gathering is more than just a convention; it is a call to action. The alarming rise in cultism and drug abuse has led to senseless killings and terror in our society. We cannot afford to remain silent while our youth fall victim to these vices,” he said.

The convention, themed “Harmony in the Heartland: Promoting Peace and Rejecting Cultism and Drug Abuse in Kwara State,” brought together stakeholders, including parents, religious leaders, security agencies, educators, and youth representatives. Discussions focused on strategies to combat social vices and restore moral values among young people.

Jeje said that the organisation would document deliberations from the event and submit a report to relevant authorities for action.

He also unveiled the first edition of the Moral Compass magazine, a publication aimed at promoting positive values and guiding young Nigerians towards ethical choices.

“We recognise the power of media in shaping mindsets. Moral Compass will serve as a platform to highlight success stories and encourage moral uprightness in our society,” he noted.

The organisation also used the occasion to honour individuals said to have demonstrated outstanding commitment to social reform and moral advocacy.

In addition, Jeje introduced newly appointed Administrative Volunteers tasked with expanding ZETSI Africa’s impact across campuses and communities in Kwara State.

The appointees include:
Bamigboye Olalekan – State Coordinator
Aliyu Aneefah Gold – Secretary
Ahmed Adebowale – Director of Program and Strategy
Adeyemi Daniel – Head of Media and Graphics Design
Shuaib Habeeb – Head of Planning and Partnership
Moshood Ibrahim – Director of Campus Affairs
Mohammed Laufe – Publicity Secretary and Head of Community Affairs

The Chairperson congratulated the new team, urging them to take up their responsibilities with dedication. “Your work begins immediately, and we expect you to make meaningful contributions in tackling social vices,” he charged.

Looking ahead, Jeje revealed plans to take ZETSI Africa’s convention to all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of the organisation’s 2025 agenda.

“Starting from Kwara, the State of Harmony, we aim to strategically expand our impact nationwide,” he said, encouraging stakeholders in other states to prepare for their engagements.

He also called for a sustained fight against corruption, examination malpractice, cybercrime, and prostitution, which he described as major threats to national development.

“As an organisation, we stand firmly against corruption, which has crippled the efficiency of every sector in Nigeria. We must also decisively address prostitution and examination malpractice to secure a sustainable future for our youth,” Jeje declared.

The convention ended with a renewed commitment from participants to intensify advocacy and practical interventions to curb social vices, ensuring a safer and more morally upright society.