Kwara Assembly decries underage access to hotels, pubs, demands urgent action
The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to swiftly implement a code of conduct aimed at preventing underage patronage of hotels and pubs in Ilorin.
This resolution was reached during a plenary session that focused on the “Urgent Need To Address The Unchecked Patronage And Usage Of Hotels And Pubs By Underage Persons.”
Leading the discussion, Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq voiced his concerns, stating, “Ilorin is becoming a cosmopolitan city, and with this growth comes an increase in hospitality establishments. However, this allows minors to access environments that expose them to drinking, drug use, and other unhealthy behaviors.”
Rasaq also noted that certain neighborhoods, including Adewole, Tanke, Fate, Unity Road, Pipeline, Sango, and GRA, have seen troubling trends. “We often see children, some still in their school uniforms, entering these hotels without any restriction,” he added.
In reinforcing the assembly’s stance, Speaker Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu called for decisive action.
“We urge the governor to direct the Ministry of Social Development and the Hotel and Tourism Board to conduct immediate audits and inspections of all hospitality venues across the state,” he declared.
The assembly also called on law enforcement agencies to step up their efforts, emphasizing the need for regular checks and surveillance to ensure compliance with age restrictions and to penalize violators appropriately.
