Mr. Raul Yemaren, Chairman of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has urged students in the council to steer clear of cultism, drugs, and negative peer groups to secure a brighter future.
He gave the advice on Thursday during a lecture on The Role of Youths in Nation Building as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. Yemaren commended the conduct of many young people in the community, describing their ambitions as promising and capable of taking them far in life.
“We are proud of you. If you stay focused, your future will be great. But my advice is simple: avoid cultism and drug abuse. These destroy dreams—be worthy ambassadors of Badagry LCDA,” he said.
The chairman emphasized the importance of discipline and determination, stressing that no nation can advance without responsible youths. “A country without values among its young people has no future. The destiny of our council and Lagos State lies in your hands, and we need you to work hard to achieve success,” he said.
He further noted that education remains the strongest tool for shaping tomorrow, assuring that his administration would continue to support and invest in youth development.
On the Independence Day celebration, Yemaren described the anniversary as more than a commemoration of freedom, but also a call to build a stronger, united nation. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for restoring trust and driving reforms, and commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES-plus Agenda for delivering impactful projects across sectors such as transport, education, health, technology, and security.
Highlighting activities to mark the celebration, Yemaren disclosed that the council organised a novelty football match between Seme All Stars and Owode-Asheri FC, which ended 2–1 in favour of Seme All Stars. Interestingly, the chairman, known for his passion for football, played for both sides—first for Seme All Stars, then for Owode-Asheri FC.