Oyo State Earns African Ambassadorial Honour In Fight Against Drugs Among Youths … Youth Chairman, as Continental Ambassador

Oyo State Agency for Youth Development has rolled out numerous programmes to empower the youth and curb social vices, including, Rehabilitation support for at-risk youths struggling with substance abuse, Community sensitization, Skill acquisition programmes and employment, Strategic partnerships with NGOs, lawmakers, and private stakeholders, Distribution of educational materials promoting drug awareness in secondary schools.

Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has received a distinguished honour as the African Ambassador for a Drug-Free Society, an award presented by the Best Brain Initiative for Human Development (Drug-Free Society) in recognition of his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, social development, and substance abuse prevention across Oyo State and beyond.

The award presentation took place during a courtesy visit by officials of the Best Brain Initiative to the agency’s headquarters in Ibadan. The delegation was led by Babalola Deborah Boluwatife, Programme Coordinator, and Ambassador Ojewola Olawale, Executive Director for Drug Advocacy.

Babalola described Hon. Falana as a trailblazer in youth development governance, whose work has directly impacted the lives of thousands of young people across the Pacesetter State. According to her, the initiative honours individuals and public servants who have demonstrated excellence in promoting drug-free lifestyles, especially through education, advocacy, and inclusive youth engagement.

“We are proud to decorate Hon. Falana with this prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in creating opportunities and solutions for young people,” she said. “His work aligns with the core mission of our initiative — to foster a society free from the dangers of drug abuse.”

Babalola further noted that the award places Hon. Falana among a select group of African leaders who have spearheaded impactful grassroots policies, campaigns, and preventive strategies to combat drug misuse among the youth population.

Dr. Ambassador Ojewola Olawale, a respected writer, youth advocate, and mobilizer, applauded the Oyo State Youth Agency Chairman for his hands-on and innovative approach to tackling youth-related challenges. He highlighted a series of groundbreaking initiatives, including educational campaigns, community sensitization, mentorship programmes, and public seminars aimed at steering young people away from drugs and towards productive ventures.

“We’ve seen a significant drop in substance abuse among youth in Oyo State, thanks to the advocacy, public dialogues, and awareness efforts coordinated under Falana’s leadership,” Dr. Ojewola noted. “Through free literary materials distributed to schools, skills acquisition programmes, and youth empowerment projects, this administration has redefined what it means to lead with purpose and empathy.”

He added that Hon. Falana has made youth inclusivity central to governance in Oyo State, ensuring that young people are not only heard but actively engaged in shaping policies and programmes that affect their lives.

“With this ambassadorial role, we are confident that Hon. Falana will continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration — not just in Oyo State, but across the continent.”

Hon. Falana expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour, dedicating the award to the youth of Oyo State and to His Excellency, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, whom he described as the “Father of the Youth” for his supportive leadership and vision for a secure and prosperous future.

“This recognition is not just about me; it is a reflection of the values instilled in us by Governor Makinde values of service, inclusion, and progress,” he said. “The resilient and innovative youth of Oyo State continue to rise above challenges, and together, we will keep building a society grounded in education, skill development, and drug-free living.”