In an apparent move to eradicate drug abuse among youths, the Osun State Government has taken sensitisation to secondary schools across the state on the dangers of substance abuse.
The training, which was done through the Ministry of Federal Affairs, was part of efforts to curb the rising menace of drug abuse among youths.
Tagged “Imole War Against Drug Abuse in Osun Public Schools (IWADA),” the initiative drew students from several schools, including Ife City College, Ife Anglican Grammar School, Our Lady’s Girls’ High School, Seventh-Day Adventist Grammar School, Saint David Grammar School, Saint Peter Grammar School, and Modakeke High School, at Oduduwa College, Sabo, Ile-Ife.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Mrs Adenike Adeleke, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to tackling drug abuse through sensitisation and education.
She emphasised that the campaign was designed to ensure that no student was left unaware of the devastating consequences of drug misuse.
She said, “This programme is aimed at moulding the character of our students and preventing them from engaging in unwholesome practices. We want to raise responsible youths who will grow into exemplary leaders,” Adeleke said.
The Commissioner inaugurated the IWADA Club, which she said will serve as a platform for continuous sensitisation on drug abuse in schools, noting that each school is expected to enrol 10 to 20 students, hold regular meetings, and organise outreach events.
She assured that the government would provide course materials, T-shirts, and face caps for club members and urged teachers to oversee the programme effectively.
“We are counting on our teachers to guide these students, track their progress, and send regular feedback,” she added.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Mrs Adegoke Oluwatoyin, Osun State Commander for Drug Demand Reduction at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), warned students against succumbing to peer pressure.
She said, “Drug abuse destroys lives and futures. Do not allow anyone to mislead you. Stay focused, concentrate on your studies, and develop your talents. Take only prescribed medication and always seek guidance from responsible adults,” she advised.
Also speaking, the Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Biyi Odunlade, described drug abuse as a silent killer that must be tackled collectively.
“This is not just a government fight; it is a fight for all of us. Drug abuse does not do you any favour; it only destroys lives. Stay away from it. Do not let it cut short your future,” he cautioned.
“This programme is timely. Many students are already exposed to drugs without realising the dangers. With this sensitisation, I believe we will see a positive change,” he said.
A student from Moremi Grammar School, Adedayo Opeyemi, expressed gratitude for the training, admitting that she had learned valuable lessons.
“Before today, I thought drug abuse only meant taking hard drugs, but now I know it includes misuse of even common medicines. I will share what I have learned with my friends,” she said.
Similarly, a student from Oduduwa College, Akinpelu Wasiu, pledged to stay away from drugs, saying, “I have seen how drugs ruin people’s lives. I will never let anyone pressure me into taking them.”
