Maiden Convention: ZETSI Africa to expand anti-social vices campaign nationwide

• Kwara Leaders, Stakeholders Unite to Combat Rising Cultism and Drug Abuse
• Awards Change-makers, Expands Volunteer Network for Grassroots Impact

The Zero Tolerance for Social Immoralities Initiative (ZETSI) Africa held its first Annual Convention at the NBA Conference Hall, State High Court, Ilorin, calling for a united effort to tackle cultism, drug abuse, and other social problems affecting society.

The event, with the theme “Harmony in the Heartland: Promoting Peace and Rejecting Cultism and Drug Abuse in Kwara State,” brought together government officials, community stakeholders, academics, security agencies, educators, parents, media practitioners, student leaders, youths, and students from various schools. The gathering focused on finding solutions to the increasing cases of cult clashes and drug abuse, which have become a serious concern.

In his speech, Amb. Razak Jeje (HRA), Chairperson of ZETSI Africa, stressed the need for urgent action to stop the spread of these vices. He stated that the organisation would use the discussions and findings from the convention to develop an action plan, which would be presented to the relevant authorities for implementation. He also encouraged all stakeholders to work together to ensure lasting positive change.

Launch of ‘Moral Compass’ Magazine & Awards Presentation

A major part of the convention was the launch of the first edition of Moral Compass, a magazine aimed at promoting good values, sharing success stories, and guiding young people to make responsible choices in life.

The organisation also honoured individuals who have shown great dedication to improving society. These awardees were recognised for their efforts in making positive contributions to their communities.

List of Awardees

1. Her Excellency Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq – First Lady of Kwara State (Special Guest and Awardee)
2. Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu – Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly (Special Guest and Awardee)
3. Khairat Abdulrazaq-Gwadabe (Mother of the Day and Awardee)
4. Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh – Vice-Chancellor, Kwara State University, Malete (Keynote Speaker and Awardee)
5. Abdulquawiy Abdulganiyu Olododo – Commissioner for Works, Kwara State (Special Guest and Awardee)
6. Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode – CEO, JCR Engineering Construction Company (Special Guest and Awardee)
7. Pastor Omotayo Folorunsho Joseph – CEO, TOPSTAR Publishing Ltd. (Special Guest and Awardee)
8. Abdulazeez Hammed Alamu – CEO, Alamzee Communication Enterprises (Special Guest and Awardee)
9. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde – Senate President, NANS (Awardee)
10. Hon. Sulaiman Lekan Gadaff – Chairman, Gadaff Care Foundation (Awardee)

Expansion of ZETSI Africa’s Administrative Team

To strengthen its impact, ZETSI Africa introduced new administrative volunteers who will help expand its activities, particularly among students. The newly appointed officials are:

1. Bamigboye Olalekan – State Coordinator
2. Aliyu Aneefah Gold – Secretary
3. Ahmed Adebowale – Director of Programme and Strategy
4. Adeyemi Daniel – Head of Media and Graphics Design
5. Shuaib Habeeb – Head of Planning and Partnership
6. Moshood Ibrahim – Director of Campus Affairs
7. Mohammed Laufe – Publicity Secretary and Head of Community Affairs

The chairperson congratulated the new appointees and urged them to begin their roles immediately. He emphasised the importance of their work in spreading the organisation’s message and helping to fight social problems in local communities.

National Expansion Plans

ZETSI Africa announced its plan to take the annual convention to all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in 2025. The expansion aims to make the campaign against social vices more effective across the country.

The chairperson expressed excitement that Kwara State, known as the State of Harmony, was hosting the first edition. He encouraged officials in other states to prepare for the programme when it reaches their regions.

Commitment to Fighting Social Vices

The organisation restated its strong opposition to corruption, cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, prostitution, and cybercrime. It noted that these problems have ruined many lives and continue to harm the future of young people.

The chairperson urged everyone to work together in tackling these issues and to remain committed to building a better society.

The convention ended with a renewed pledge to continue advocacy, education, and policy engagement in the fight against social vices. Participants were encouraged to remain dedicated to the mission of creating a safer and more responsible society.