The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
The President of Soroptimist International of Ikeja, Mrs Bunmi Oguntuase, has urged students to stay away from drug and substance abuse, encouraging them to make healthy choices that will secure their future and help them achieve their academic and life goals.
Oguntuase spoke during a sensitisation and awareness programme on the prevention of drug and substance abuse among senior secondary school students held at Ogudu Senior Grammar School, Ogudu Government Reserved Area (GRA), Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
The programme brought together about 200 students from Ogudu Senior Grammar School and Ojota Senior High School for an intensive awareness session on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing.
Addressing the students, Oguntuase said the programme was designed to achieve three major objectives: creating awareness about drug and substance abuse, educating students on the harmful physical, emotional, and mental effects of drugs, and equipping them with practical strategies to resist peer pressure and avoid harmful activities.
She emphasised that students must learn when and how to say “No” to negative influences capable of destroying their future.
Oguntuase appreciated the support and collaboration of key partners and stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Strategic Command (Narcotics), Ikoyi, Lagos, and HealthyMind Initiative, made up of psychologists and mental health experts.
She also acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Ministry of Education for partnering with the organisation to ensure the success of the programme.
Oguntuase explained that Soroptimist International is a global organisation for women in business, management, and the professions dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls through awareness, advocacy, and action.
According to her, Soroptimist International of Africa and its Ikeja club focus on educating, enabling, and empowering women and girls for the upliftment of society.
She expressed concern over the rising rate of substance abuse among secondary school students in Nigeria, noting that the problem has gone beyond marijuana, alcohol, and glue-sniffing to narcotics and other dangerous substances.
Also speaking, Deputy Commander of the NDLEA, Titilope Ogunluyi, warned students against experimenting with drugs, stressing that substance abuse destroys lives, affects academic performance, and can lead to addiction and criminal behaviour.
She educated the students on the dangers of narcotics and other illicit substances, urging them to avoid bad company and resist peer pressure.
Ogunluyi encouraged the students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to their studies, adding that every decision they make today will affect their future.
She also advised students to seek guidance from parents, teachers, counsellors, and trusted adults whenever they face emotional challenges or pressure from friends.
During the training session, students were taught that the brain is still developing during the teenage years and that drug abuse can damage areas responsible for decision-making, memory, emotions, and self-control.
The facilitators explained that many drugs interfere with brain chemicals such as dopamine, which can make a person dependent or addicted over time.
They warned students that addiction can sometimes begin with “just trying it once” out of curiosity, experimentation, or peer pressure.
Participants also learned that not all harmful substances are illegal, as alcohol, nicotine, misuse of prescription drugs, and excessive intake of energy drinks can negatively affect both the brain and body.
The experts stressed that peer pressure should never determine personal decisions and encouraged students to develop the confidence to say “No” to harmful influences.
Students were further advised to adopt healthy coping mechanisms such as sports, music, prayer, hobbies, positive friendships, and speaking with trusted adults whenever they feel stressed, frustrated, or emotionally overwhelmed.
The resource persons also highlighted that drug abuse can affect academic performance, concentration, memory, and future career opportunities.
They encouraged students facing substance-related challenges to seek help early from parents, teachers, counsellors, psychologists, religious leaders, or healthcare professionals, noting that seeking help is a sign of strength and responsibility.
The Principal of Ogudu Senior Grammar School, Mrs Elo Abighe, thanked the association, experts, and partners for participating in the programme.
She urged the students to remain focused on their education and future goals while avoiding activities that could negatively affect their lives and academic aspirations.
Source: The Guardian
