International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – World Drug Day 2023: Sensitizing Students on the Dangers of Drug Abuse
The Kids & Teens Resource Centre in collaboration with YALI, National Orientation Agency(NAO), Sojitade Foundation and Nigerian Red Cross, Ondo chapter successfully commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking- World Drug Day 2023 by organizing a sensitization program for SS1 & 2 students on the dangers of drug abuse. The program held at Omoluorogbo Grammar School, Oke-Aro, Akure. It was aimed at educating students on the dangers of substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of upholding national core values.
The program began with the National Anthem, followed by a welcome speech by the Principal of the School, Mr. Akinmoju. The program highlights included a goodwill message by the same principal, Mr. Akinmoju. Also, Mrs. Olamide Atiba from NOA spoke to the participants about national core values. He emphasized on the importance of Discipline, Integrity, Dignity in Labour, Contentment, Self-reliance, Patriotic and Religious tolerance. The Head of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo State, Mr. Filani Taiwo, made a speech on the history and introduction to the dangers of substance abuse. Here, he urged students to avoid anything that can cause harm to their bodies.
Miss Oluwabukola, Program Officer of K&TRC, talked about the effects/dangers of substance abuse. This includes untimely death, health issues, mental issues, and tooth decay—effects that can all have negative implications for their future. Finally, Mr. Adedeji summarized the program and urged students to uphold upright values. The principal, Mr. Akinmoju, reiterated these points, citing other forms of drug abuse, including overdose of prescribed medication.
The program was a great success with 92 students in attendance, 54 males, and 38 females. Undoubtedly, they were all empowered with the right information on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The sensitization program will hopefully serve as a template for similar programs in other schools and raise awareness on the damaging consequences of substance abuse.