The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigerian Saxophonist, Omotola Ekerin, on Friday sensitized students around Ejigbo community in Lagos state, on the dangers of drug abuse.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the sensitization program which held at Ejigbo Stadium, engaged students from Oke-Afa Comprehensive College; Mercy Hall of Fame, Igando; Davsol Group of School, Powerline and Power and Glory International Schools.
The theme for the program was “Renewed Hope For Addicts”.
Titilope Ologunluyi, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos Command, during the program, educated the students on how dangerous substances could be consumed through sniffing, injection or orally.
She said this was to enable them to be well guided in order not to fall victim of being lured into consuming harmful substances.
She advised the students to always watch out for the friends they mingle with and desist from entertaining bad habits from strangers.
She noted that it had been declared that 296 million people had been discovered to be addicted to drugs worldwide.
“NDLEA is not only about arrest of drug abusers but to also sensitize and bring people to the knowledge of the dangers of drug abuse.
“Drug abuse destroys the central nervous system as well as the future of a victim. You can hear the number of those addicted, we do not want you to add to the numbers.
“Regardless of whatever you are passing through, drug abuse is not an option because it will not solve your problems but only compound the problem.
“At any point you feel you have engaged in drug abuse and need help pls quickly speak up,” she said.
The the convener of the program, female Saxophonist Ekerin, popularly known as “Omotola Sax”, noted that the program was put together to herald her musical concert “Albaster Concert”.
She said that being worried over the rate at which young people engaged in drug abuse, the program is intended to lead many of those young people to Christ.
“Children, you are the future of tomorrow, run away from consumption of illicit drugs, it will kill your dreams and destroy your future. You are the leaders of tomorrow.
“Be mindful of the habit to imitate from your friends, I want you all to cultivate Godly morals, ” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Shola Ijaola, Proprietress, Rapsody Model College, said it was disheartening to observe that the three levels of government had not supported the campaign against drug abuse enough.
Ijaola said this was very important considering the rate at which young children embraced consumption of illicit drugs.
She urged parents to always present themselves as good mentors to the younger ones and encouraged them to live responsibly.
The program witnessed poem renditions by students sensitizing one another on drug abuse.
The Alabaster Concert had in attendance Ejigbo community members who were entertained with mind blowing performances from Omotola Sax.
