The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has been honored with the prestigious African Ambassador for a Drug-Free Society award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and substance abuse prevention across the Pacesetter state and beyond.
The award, conferred by the Best Brain Initiative for Human Development (Drug-Free Society), was presented on Monday, September 22, 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Agency.
The Initiative Programme coordinator, Ms. Beborah Boluwatife, Babalola while explaining how the youth energetic chairman was selected and conferred the prestigious honour, reiterated that her initiatives celebrate individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in championing drug-free initiatives, especially among the youth population.
She lauded Hon. Falana for setting a benchmark in youth-focused governance and preventive action against drug misuse.
According to her, Hon. Falana joins a select group of African leaders recognized for driving impactful policies and grassroots campaigns aimed at curbing drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Also, the executive director on drug advocacy, Dr. Ambassador Ojewola Olawale, a writer, advocate, and youth mobilizer commended the chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development for his inspiring initiative aimed at creating innovative, creative, and technological solutions for the youth in Pacesetter State, as well as a series of monumental empowerment.
He, however, stated that drug abuse has drastically reduced among young people in Pacesetter State through their advocacy, public dialogue, seminars, as well as free literary books shared to address drug abuse among secondary school students.
“Today we are here to decorate you as the Africa Ambassador for Drug-Free Society based on the productive steps you’ve taken since you assumed office that have changed the perspective of governance with youth inclusivity in every programme championed by your agency.
“We’re very sure that with this ambassadorial role, you’ll not relent in transforming the pacesetter youth to the greater heights in all aspects of human endeavors ” he stated.
In his acceptance speech, Falana expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming his commitment to building a safer and more productive future for young people.
“This award is not just for me, but for the father of the youth in Oyo State, His Excellency Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, through his fatherly role, the resilient youth of Oyo State have continued to rise above challenges.
Together, we will continue to promote education, skill acquisition, and a drug-free lifestyle as the foundation for a better society,” he stated.
Under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership, the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development has rolled out several landmark programmes, including community outreach initiatives, rehabilitation support for at-risk youth, and collaborative efforts with local NGOs to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse as well as a series of partnerships with Federal House of Representatives lawmakers.
With this new recognition, stakeholders are optimistic that Oyo State will continue to serve as a model in youth development and substance abuse prevention strategies across Nigeria and the African continent.
The entourage of the Best Brain Initiative for Human Development is; Ms. Babalola Deborah Boluwatife, Mr. Fadare Boluwatife Joseph, and Dr. Ambassador Ojewola Olawale.
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