School, security agencies collaborate to combat drug abuse among Nigerian youths

As part of its efforts to rid Nigeria of drug abuse, particularly among youths, Lagooz Schools have partnered with the police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to enlighten people at the grassroots on why they should steer clear of hard drugs.

The students and their teachers, some parents, community leaders, and government security officials went around many places in Agege, a densely populated area in Lagos, to raise awareness about rampant cases of drug abuse in society and campaign against the practice.

They carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Say no to drugs,” “Walking away from drugs means moving towards a healthier and brighter future,” and “Walking away from drugs isn’t just a journey; it’s a commitment to yourself and your loved ones. Build your dream! Learn without drugs!”, “Together, we can defeat the grip of drug abuse,” and “With each step we take against drug abuse, we empower ourselves and inspire others to join the movement” as they moved around and also counselled victims of drug abuse.

Speaking about the rally, tagged: “Walk Against Drug Abuse,” the chairman of Lagoz Schools, who is also the National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Yomi Otubela, said the school embarked on the campaign and counselling of victims as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives to have a healthier and drug-free society.

He said the school adopted the grass-roots campaign to take the message down to the people in their communities.

Otubela, in a statement, noted that the manner in which young people, including schoolchildren, are indulging in drug abuse in the country is alarming, and something must be done fast to address the social ill.

According to him, cases of drug abuse, especially among children and youths in the country, are high, and every person, from parents, teachers, religious and community leaders, to society as well as the governments at all levels, has a role to play in jointly addressing the problem.

He said the war against the vice could easily be won only when every stakeholder plays their own role well.

He said governments in particular have more roles to play in this regard and therefore should be more alive by coming up with policies that will effectively tackle and prevent the menace.

He said participants at the rally found out that peer influence, lack of proper parenting, undue exposure to movies featuring free consumption of hard drugs, accessibility, lack of education, family history, weak support systems, and mental health issues were major factors leading many to drug abuse in society.

He said that unfortunately, the adverse consequences of drug abuse are not limited to the abusers but also rub off on other people and society at large.

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