“Drug abuse is a very serious issue. Apart from damaging your future and destroying your destiny, it affects everyone associated with you.
“When someone approaches you to take drugs, resist it. Once you recognize it as a drug, don’t take it. Learn to say no politely because it destroys one’s future. When opportunities arise, those who got you into drugs won’t be there. Be careful. Your life and future are important,” warned Mr. Lambert Nor, Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos Command.
Nor spoke at the recently concluded US Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program Alumni Association (IVLPAA) event, “The Conversation: An Open Dialogue with Boys.”
The IVLPAA program aimed to equip male students with essential knowledge and resilience to navigate life challenges, including cybercrime, drug abuse, and other societal pitfalls. The NDLEA Commandant, also the Chairman of the IVLPAA Board of Trustees, advised students to reject drug abuse pressures.
During the event at Lagos City Senior College in Yaba, Lagos State, he outlined the many consequences of drug abuse, emphasizing the physical, psychological, economic, and social impacts. Nor stressed that taking drugs outside medical prescriptions and for pleasure is harmful and warned against starting, no matter the temptation. “Some will say it helps you study better. It’s a lie. It creates a habit that will kill you,” he cautioned.
He explained to over 100 male students that drug use can destabilize personal and family productivity, increase healthcare costs, and reduce future productivity for both the abuser’s community and the nation. “Involvement in drug or substance abuse causes mental health problems, such as depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal, and other psychosocial dysfunctions,” he added.
Mrs. Rose Nwaiie, representing Education District V, emphasized the need for more sensitization programs and advised the students to avoid drugs and substance abuse, regardless of circumstances. She praised the US Consulate Lagos and the IVLPAA for their efforts to combat drug abuse and its associated criminal activities.
Shola Owonikoko, a development practitioner, discussed the many factors contributing to drug abuse and cybercrime among young people, including peer pressure, curiosity, and poor socio-economic conditions. He urged students to focus on self-development and reject negative influences. “Education structures your life and configures your mind. Shun cultism, betting, drug use, and cybercrime. These can limit your future,” he advised.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri advised students to be themselves and not succumb to peer pressure. “Walk away from friendly or teasing pressure to partake in drug abuse. Be the best version of yourself. You are special,” she said.
Finbarr Aniekeme, in his lecture, urged students to strive for excellence and avoid negative influences. He emphasized the importance of self-belief, discipline, and responsibility to achieve outstanding futures. “Believe in yourself. Nothing inhibits your brain. You are special,” he encouraged.
Motivational speaker Mrs. Saudat Salami highlighted the importance of building leadership skills and setting positive examples. She stressed responsible social media use and respectful interactions with others. “You can use technology for good purposes. Consent is very important,” she warned.
Former IVLPAA President Princess Tade Adetoun called for inclusive efforts to tackle drug abuse and cybercrime, involving the government, society, religious bodies, NGOs, and individuals. She recommended school-based programs to encourage healthy practices among adolescents and periodic reviews of school curricula to address the dangers of drug abuse and cybercrime.
Adetoun also emphasized parental education on the risks associated with drug abuse, noting that it is more prevalent among younger populations, males, students, and commercial drivers. “Stringent measures are urgently needed to curb the increasing burden of drug abuse in the country,” she asserted, thanking the US Consulate and the IVLPAA for their efforts.
IVLPAA President Mr. Adedayo Oketola, expressed his joy and advised students to heed the cautionary messages. He noted the importance of empowering boys alongside girls, addressing the noticeable gap in support for young boys. “We are here with support from the US Consulate to educate and empower teenage boys through ‘The Conversation: An Open Dialogue with Boys,’ equipping them with essential knowledge to navigate life challenges,” Oketola said. “The conversation will continue through other programs we are planning for schoolboys,” he added.
