Kunle Adelabu
The fight against drug abuse in Ikorodu has been intensified as Ikorodu Heroes (I – Heroes) joined forces with the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to curb and if possible, eradicate the menace.
The sensitization programme is part of the 2024 NYCN programme, which has seen the collaborating groups visiting schools to engage students on drug education.
To achieve this, students from over 15 schools were brought together at the Ita Elewa Youth Centre last week, where they were comprehensively education on drugs and its abuses. The students and participants were also equipped with life skills and knowledge to make healthy choices and seek help when needed.
During the event, draws for the eight schools participating in the inter – school football competition tagged, ‘Stop The Crime Campaign Cup 2.0’, organized to foster oneness among the students and drive home the week – long campaign against drug abuse, were conducted. The competition is being sponsored by I – Heroes.
Coordinator, NYCN, Ikorodu Local Government branch, Comrade Idris Omotayo, said that the youth organization is disturbed by the devastating effects of drug abuse on youths, adding that there is need to engage young residents to curb the trend.
“The NYCN Ikorodu branch cares to come out to make known our position against drug abuse. There is this saying, “when you see something, you say something”, and because we have been seeing the way our youths behave whenever they take these substances, we have come together to intervene against drug abuse”, he said.
“We are engaging the primary and secondary schools in Ikorodu, and we believe that we have to take steps in this regard”, he added.
He thanked teachers and others that brought the students for the programme, for sparing their time.
Mr Majolagbe Olanshile, President, I – Heroes, said that his club is joining the crusade against drugs abuse because its effects are impacting negatively on the society, families and individuals.
“We thought it wise to partner with NYCN, Ikorodu chapter, in creating awareness on the danger of illicit substances”, he said.
“Drug abuse has become an epidemic with a very devastating effects on the society, families and individuals. The wide spread use of these illicit substances and misuse of prescription drugs, has led to several social disturbances and menace.
“However, through proactive measures, and collaborative efforts, the campaign against drug abuse can be initiated at various levels with the aim to raise awareness, provide support and encourage policies to combat this pressing issue.
“I – Heroes, as an organization, saw the need to strike a balance with the NYCN to enlighten our younger generation on the danger associated with drug abuse. Our first point of call was Yewa Grammar School, where we talked to students and enlightened them on this pandemic”, he said.
I – Heroes President, therefore, urged government agencies, communities, groups and individuals to sustain the fight against the menace so as to have a peaceful and sustainable society.
The Administrative Secretary, Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL), Mr Taiwo Salami, who made his presentation interactive with the students, identified some areas in Ikorodu as areas where students on daily basis witness people openly smoke and abuse substances.
He said that the smokers derive nothing from it but only fire themselves up to perpetrate crimes.
He warned students from indulging in drug so as not to destroy themselves and unable to fulfll their destiny.
Salami expressed fear that the society might not be able to cope with the number of mentally disturbed individuals in the next few years if care is not taken.
In her won presentation, the representative of the NDLEA, Mrs Tolulope, listed peer group influence, lack of parental care, ignorance and improper counselling in schools as some of the factors that is aiding drug abuse in the society.
Like other speakers, she warned participants against taking to drugs, while she stated the effects of such act on their lives, families and that of the society.
Other speakers at the event were representatives of the Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) and Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
Participating students had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications on the subject from the speakers.
Drawn in the Group A of the Soccer competition marking the Drug Abuse campaign are: HOMAT Academy, Noble Winner College, Fatom Private School and Da – Lot Ville, while Ultimate Villa FA, Front Running City College, ABC School and Gracious Ayomiposi FA are in Group B.
The tournament will be played at the Police Barracks Playing Ground, Ikorodu, starting from March 6, 2024.
