New movie on drug abuse, Scourge, set for premiere

Worried by the rising rate of drug abuse among youths, which is more prevalent among secondary schools students, a non-governmental organisation, Trauma Savers Life Support Foundation, is set to premiere a new movie, Scourge, that would address the menace and proffer solutions.

The movie, which featured popular actors and actresses in the movie industry, was brought to life by the convener of the foundation, Mrs Beth Ola, whose team of experts has been going across public secondary schools in Lagos State educating the young ones about the menace of drug addiction.

During a media parley, the convener disclosed that the movie which premiere in cinemas starting from November will educate teens and youths that are having difficulty in battling with drug addiction and depression.

According to her, consumption of illicit substances by youths has posed serious challenge to the growth and development of the Nigerian society, adding that over 60 per cent of Nigerian youths consume various forms of illicit drugs.

With over 15 public secondary schools visited in Lagos, Mrs Ola disclosed that her foundation discovered that most of the students got exposed to life of drugs and alcohol at tender ages, adding that some of them also were exposed to it through parents and guardians.

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Speaking further, she stressed that with the support of the Lagos State government, more schools would be visited as they planned to employ the services of more actors and actresses, who would stage live plays and dramas that could further explain to the students on the need to stay away from drugs.

“I have seen a lot in my interactions with these students and I can tell you that the situation is bigger than what people think. When you hear how these students love to get high on ridiculous things, you would be alarmed and worried,” she said.

The lead consultant to the foundation, actor, Saheed Balogun, who was also part of the media parley, said the foundation would be organising seminars for students on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects.