Mariam Akinloye
-Engages students on drug abuse
The 1998 Class set of the Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), kicked – off their 25th anniversary of graduating from their alma mater which is one of the foremost schools in the country, with the donation of six computer sets.
Members of the set also engaged students of the premier College, on the danger of drug abuse in an effort to make them good ambassadors.
At the well – attended event which took place at the school hall on Thursday, January 18, 2024, were Alhaji Muhammed B.S. Arole, OCOSAN National Presidential candidate, Mr Wasiu Tijani, National Secretary candidate, Mr Abari Ibrahim Abiodun, National Social Secretary candidate, Mr Abiodu Shitta, National Auditor candidate among others.
The anniversary symposium is themed, “Drug Abuse & Addiction Among Youths”.
Chairman, OCOSAN 1998, Mr Oshoala Shamsideen Olatunji, described the day as remarkable, adding that the computer system donated is geared towards improving the computer knowledge of students.
“Today is another landmark achievement for us in the OCOSAN 1998, because we have been trying to do this for sometimes, but to the glory of the Almighty Allah, it has come to fruition today”, he said.
“We are also offering complete sets of systems – three sets each for the junior and senior sections of our great old school.
“We hope that this would assist the students, especially in the ICT training and other analysis work”, he added.
In her lecture on the theme, Matron Arole Kuburat Omotayo, Assistant Director of Nursing Services, General Hospital, Ikorodu, said that drugs, when used improperly especially when not prescribed or for something order than what it is meant for, is an abuse.
While stating that such practices cause injury or harm to the person, she listed types of abuses which include physical, psychological, sexual, emotional and financial abuses.
She stated that addiction is when user no longer control his/herself over the usage of a particular drug to the extent that it turns harmful to the user.
Matron Arole emphasised that addiction is common with drugs, alcohol, smoking, internet among others.
She said that drug abuse affects brains and causes health challenges to the victims, and also detrimental to the family and the society at large.
While stating that campaign against drug among students is important, the lecturer emphasized that it is intended for the purpose of education, and to help them combat the vulnerability and challenges of the adolescent stage.
She added that addressing the challenges of drugs among students also helps prepare them for the future, make them responsible and useful to themselves and the society at large.
Mr Abari, in his remarks, challenged the students to stay off drugs to be great in life. He also charged them not to allow their environment to influence them into taking drugs.
He equally charged them to face their studies and be good ambassadors of their families and Oriwu College.
Mrs Fatima Arole, a member of the set, speaking about her experience, advised the students to be cautious of what they take from friends and family members.
The grand finale of the anniversary celebrations comes up on Saturday.
Staff of the college, on behalf of the school, thanked the 1998 set for the donation of the computer sets and the lecture on drug abuse.
Special jumat service in commemoration of the anniversary took place at the college mosque on Friday while the Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for the school’s Chapel on Sunday.
