Organisation sensitises Lagos students on drug abuse, dropping out-of-school.

Organisation sensitises Lagos students on drug abuse, dropping out-of-school.

Sensitisation

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Mr Sunday Anani Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation has organised outreaches to schools in Lagos State to sensitise youths on the dangers of drug abuse, addiction and dropping out-of-school.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreaches were held from June 20 to June 28, across seven public secondary schools, all under Education District 6 in Lagos State.

The schools are Okota Junior Secondary School; Okota Senior High School; Ajumoni Junior Grammar School; Okota Senior Secondary School; Ajumoni Senior Grammar School; Ijeshatedo Junior Grammar and Ire Akari Junior Grammar School.

Sunday Anani, Founder of the NGO, told NAN that the outreach, which had the theme, “Substance Use Disorders: Treatment and Recovery”, was to educate the students on the gains of not abusing drugs.

Mr Sunday Anani, educating students on the danger, prevention of drug abuse, addiction, dropping out-of-school.

Anani said that there was a need to continuously create awareness and promote prevention of drug abuse, addiction and dropping out-of-school to students.

He said that it would save them from falling victims as many others had, in the past.

According to him, investing in sensitisation and prevention outreaches are the keys that can educate youths of today about the danger and negative effects of drug abuse.

He noted that drug abuse had become a national pandemic, adding that, “Most young people become victims of drug abuse due to pressure from friends or peer groups.

“This has led many of them to lose their minds and are, therefore, unable to stay in school.

“Dropping out of school as a result of drug abuse further compounds their woes as they get into the society to become further addicted, as they are ignorant and lack the knowledge to stay off drugs.

“Hence, the idea behind the outreach.  Education and awareness are the measures needed to make youths  knowledgeable to stay disciplined and keep off drug abuse that will mar their future or prevent them from attaining their potentials.” he said.

Anani noted that the sensitisation sessions touched on factors that increase risk for substance use or misuse, common drug classifications people abuse and their street names.

According to him, the sessions also covers addiction, Popamine and its effects, effects of substance use, risks of substance use and disorders, screening for substance use disorders and substance use disorder treatments.

“These drugs commonly abused by young and old people alike include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opiods, amongst others.

“You must stay away from them completely. They are not good for you,” he stressed.

The founder assured that there would be another round of the outreaches to some other education districts, so they could also benefit from the programme approved by the Lagos State Government through the Education District. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

MIL/COF

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Edited by Christiana Fadare