By Aderogba George
The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) and Bridge and Bond Development Initiative (BBDI) on Tuesday urged students to shun drug abuse and stay focused to fulfil their future dreams.
They made the call during a campaign to celebrate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Government Junior Secondary Schools Garki, Area 11 and Karu, Abuja respectively.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the celebration was: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention and Treatment.”
NAN also reports that the topic for the campaign was: “Dangers of Drug Abuse in a Child’s Life.”
The event was organised by BBDI and sponsored by COWA.
Speaking at the event, the President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, admonished the students not to engage in any venture that would make them go down the slop of life or lose their integrity.
“This is because, you are bigger and better than who you think you are. We want you to shun drug abuse. Be friends with people that will bring out the best in you.
“Always do the right thing. Don’t succumb to peer pressure; when you notice something going wrong speak out; speak to somebody, your parents, teachers, principal.
“Don’t do anything that will destroy your life. You are the future of this country. Don’t let drug destroy you. Seek support so that you can achieve your potential in life.
“Invest in yourself by doing the things that would guide and lead you to your future dreams. Engage in sports and other activities that will help your mental ability and make you stay off drugs.
“Also, get a mentor that would always hold your hands and help you to achieve your future goals and dreams. Nevertheless, don’t give up on your dreams, stay focus. You are the great future of Nigeria,” Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi also called on parents to join in the campaign to curb the menace of drug abuse in the society.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of BBDI, Mr Festus Onifade, said the initiative had been on the campaign to address drug abuse since 2018.
“This year, we have found a worthy partner in COWA to carry this message far. They are wives and mothers and have decided to sponsor the event.
“We must rid our society of drug abuse. And you know, drug use and abuse is closely treated to crime. We want to solve the issue of crime and criminality. We have to go to the roops to stop the spread of drug abuse,” Onifade said.
One of the resource persons, Mrs Tega Amogu, in her presentation, explained to the students that drug would give them fake dreams that would destroy their future.
“Don’t be deceived, drugs will never bring out the creativity in you. The creativity is already in you. Taking drugs to be creative will only lead to addiction and disaster.
“Drug will make you forget about your real dream in life,” she said.
Amogu, a survivor of drug abuse, narrated her life journey through the abuse of drugs and other substances.
She praised God for helping her to overcome the challenge of drug abuse.
Another resource person, Mr Prosper Chukwudi, a television and radio host, urged the students to focus on their dreams.
Chukwudi also cautioned the students against bad friends, peer pressure and internet fraudsters.
NAN reports that those in attendance include officials of COWA Principals and teachers from the schools and other relevant stakeholders.
(NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA)