In recent times, the incidences of drug abuse in our society, especially among our youths has become alarming. Serious concerns have been expressed on the dangers of drug abuse and the rate at which it is spreading. Statistics have shown that about 40% of our youth are involved in some form of drug abuse at different levels.

It has been widely acknowledged that there is a strong correlation between drug abuse and crime rate. There is a real danger that this menace is undermining the future of our younger generation and the future of promising young people have been compromised as a result of indulgence in hard drugs.

Asides destroying young lives, drug abuse can threaten the peace of the society as these individuals are easily lured into crime. This is a major reason why our government has decided to come here today to support and appreciate the work of Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM).

Since 1996, CADAM has dedicated efforts and resources to treat and rehabilitate people who have gotten addicted to one form of drug abuse or the other. CADAM under the leadership and direction of our Daddy, Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Mama Folu Adeboye, has shown commitment using the platform of the church to join in the fight against this social menace.

CADAM has, on its own, picked up, treated and rehabilitated many people who have been addicted to drugs and given them a new life. CADAM, with their own resources, clothes, feed and shelters these affected citizens and give them a chance to live again. And I have been informed that CADAM does not collect any money from the beneficiaries of this charitable service.

CADAM has taken another step in this humanitarian work with the construction of this rehabilitation centre which will be commissioned today to cater for the treatment and rehabilitation of affected persons.

This is most commendable and I have to be here personally to express the gratitude of the State government to the management and staff of CADAM for this.

With the quality of facilities provided at this centre, I have no doubt that  many lives that have been compromised as a result of drug addiction will be  redeemed, stablised and given a new hope for a better and meaningful future.

Given the incredible impact this facility will have on the society, I am pleased to say that this is a project that the Lagos State government will support. We are committed to making life better for our people and supporting good causes. This is a great cause that deserves not only the support of the State Government, but of all well-meaning Nigerians, institutions and corporate bodies.

As we support this rehabilitation centre, let me use this opportunity to implore parents, guardians and care givers to be vigilant in order to detect early signs of drug addiction in their children and seek help from appropriate quarters before it gets complicated.  On our part as a government, we shall continue to take preventive measures through public awareness campaign especially among our youths so that they are adequately informed on the danger inherent in drug abuse.

On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I congratulate Daddy and Mummy G O, as well as the entire team of CADAM on this laudable initiative and achievement.

With gratitude to God, I have the honour to now Commission this Centre to the Glory of God.

Thank you and God bless you all.

 “Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo je wa logun”!