Ibarapa East LG Chairman’s Wife, Toyin Arogundade Steps Up Advocacy Against Social Vices
…Targets Child Protection, Youths’ Behaviour
The wife of the Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Eruwa, Mrs Toyin Arogundade, has disclosed that a wide range of social vices have now been formally prohibited across Oyo State and the local government in particular, as part of a renewed effort to promote public morality and safeguard vulnerable groups.
Mrs Arogundade made the announcement during a community sensitisation programme where she addressed parents, youths and community leaders on the growing concerns about harmful practices affecting children and young people across the ten wards.
In her remarks, she said the state could no longer overlook behaviours that undermine public decency and endanger the welfare of residents.
She said: “Social vices such as sagging of trousers, keeping of hair in dreadlocks, rape, indecent dressing and female child circumcision have now been prohibited in Oyo State. These practices do not reflect the values we want to uphold in our communities.”
Mrs Arogundade added that the state was also cracking down on drug abuse, particularly the misuse of substances that have become increasingly common among young people.
“The taking of Indian hemp, chloronadol, tramadol and other harmful drugs is now strictly forbidden. These substances are destroying our youths, and we must act decisively to protect them.”
She further emphasised that the government was committed to ending practices that violate children’s rights, including economic exploitation through street hawking.
According to her: “Sending under-age female children out to hawk is now prohibited. Every child deserves to grow in a safe environment, not on the streets where they are exposed to danger.”
The local government chairman’s wife urged parents and guardians to work with authorities to ensure full compliance with the new rules.
She stated that restoring moral discipline and ensuring the safety of children would require collective responsibility from all stakeholders.
She expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and the First Lady, Mrs Olufunke Makinde, for their unwavering support of initiatives aimed at protecting children and promoting community well-being.
The wife of the local government chairman also acknowledged her husband, Hon. Kazeem Owolabi Arogundade, for his encouragement and commitment to the campaign.
By Femi Ojedokun
