The Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have driven the campaign against drug abuse to the Federal Government College, APO, FCT, Abuja.
The event was held in commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
In his remark at the occasion, the Executive Director, of the Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative, Dr. Babatunde Kayode decried the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities, particularly the boy child,
He said,”I stand before you today as the Executive Director of Restore Hope for the Boy Child Initiative, and I am honoured to be part of this crucial event. Our organization is dedicated to empowering the boy child, and today, we join forces with the Drug Law Enforcement Agency to address a critical issue that affects our youth: Drug Abuse.
“As we mark 2024 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, with the Theme: Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention, we are reminded of the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities. We see the ravaging effects of drug abuse on our youth, especially the boy child, and we are determined to act.
“Some of the causes of drug abuse on the boy child prevalent in our society are: Peer pressure and social influence, Low self-esteem and lack of confidence, Easy accessibility and curiosity escape from problems or stress, media and social media glorification with negative side effects.
“Our organization believes that prevention is key. We must invest in prevention programs that educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse, provide support services for those struggling with addiction, and promote healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyles.
“Today, we come together to raise awareness and promote prevention. We come together to say that enough is enough. We will not stand by while our youth are lost to the grip of substance abuse. We will not stand by while families are torn apart by addiction. We will act, and we will act together.”
Dr Kayode noted that the youth are the future hope of generations to come, as he reaffirmed their commitment to empower young Nigerians to make informed decisions and lead drug free lives.
“To the boy child, I say: you are our future, and we believe in you. We will support you, guide you, and empower you to make informed decisions and lead healthy lives.
“To the parents and caregivers, I say: we are here to support you. We will provide resources and services to help you navigate the challenges of raising a drug-free generation.
“To our partners in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, I say: we appreciate your tireless efforts to combat drug trafficking and keep our communities safe. We are proud to collaborate with you in this critical work.
“Let us unite in this fight against drug abuse. Let us invest in prevention and create a safer, healthier world for our youth.”
Dr. Kayode pointed out that schools play a vital role in the fight against drug abuse, adding that they can educate students about the dangers of drug abuse, provide age-appropriate drug awareness programs, encourage healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyles
He added that schools can help identify and support students struggling with addiction.
He assured that they would collaborate with parents and communities to prevent drug abuse.
Dr. Kayode also pointed out that parents and caregivers are essential in setting clear boundaries and expectations
“Having open and honest conversations about drug abuse, encouraging healthy relationships and activities, monitoring behavior and seeking help when needed.
“Serving as positive role models and influences,” he said.
He further noted that working together with schools, parents, and communities, they can create a supportive environment for Nigerian youth.
“By working together – schools, parents, and communities – we can create a supportive environment for our youth
“Encourage healthy choices and behaviors, identify and address risk factors and warning signs.
“Provide access to resources and support services
“Empower our youth to make informed decisions and lead drug-free lives.
“Together, we can make a difference,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Nduka Augustine, the NDLEA Staff Officer, in charge of Sensitization in FCT, expressed the agency’s commitment to intensify sensitization against drug abuse in the country.
He said,”We are here to partner, and to collaborate with this NGO to reach out to the boy child, that is the reason why we are here. We have been in this school like two or three times, particularly. And the strategy we adopt is actually, it is prevention. And also this is in line with the theme of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug trafficking, which the grand finale is holding tomorrow at the State House Conference Center.
“We have treatment programs, we have rehab centers, in every state of this federation that you have NDLEA there is a rehab facility. We have it in FCT command. But we know that treatment and recovery is a great challenge, that is why prevention is key. Catching these young people on time before they are introduced or before they initiate drug use is key to us.”
On her part, the Executive Director, the MAG Foundation, Mariam Gbadebo warned against drug abuse, pointing out that it is a risk factor that has caused many people to loose their health.
“I’m the Executive Director of the MaG Foundation and we focus on health and empowerment, also climate justice, also a kidney disease survival and a transplant recipient. So I know better than anyone else the importance of preservation of health.
“One of the main reasons and insights from today’s sensitization, that is drug abuse and awareness campaign is for us to let the young ones know, that is the future generation know the necessity to preserve their health and why they need to avoid substance abuse and use in whatever form or manner.
“This is because I know from past experience, that even not
because I used drugs, but as a survival of failed health I know that alcohol and drug abuse is a predisposition, a risk factor for losing your health.
“And this is why we came here today to emphasize, don’t just look at drugs as the ones they sell on the street and don’t look at drugs from a criminal perspective. There’s also effect on your health if you indulge in drug abuse because there are places where people tell you that taking drugs is okay, you need drugs for creativity.
“You had all sorts of excuses and rationalizations for use of drugs. But we need to come out and remind people that drug use can actually break down your health,” she said.
She further warned,”When you’re out there trying to make money, build a future for yourself, raise a family. Just something as simple as abusing illegal substance, banned substances can stop your life, it can stop your goals, it can stop your momentum.
“And that is why we came here to emphasize say no to illegal drug use, say no to banned drug use to the boy child, to the girl child, and to everyone out there, say no to banned drug use, and preserve that good health that you have. I am a kidney disease advocate. I go out to tell people about how important your health is”.
