By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Stakeholders in the education and counselling sectors have called for sustained sensitisation campaigns against drug abuse among young people, stressing the need to educate students early before they become victims of substance abuse and negative peer influence.
The call was made during a drug abuse awareness programme organised for students of Government Secondary School, Piwoyi, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Sallisu Al-Amin Muhammad, a corps member serving at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, said the initiative was designed to enlighten students on the dangers associated with drug abuse and help them make informed life choices.
According to him, the growing exposure of youths to harmful substances in society makes early sensitisation critical.
“We organised this sensitisation to catch the younger generation early and educate them on the causes and effects of drug abuse on their academics and lives entirely,” he said.
Muhammad also urged corps members, youth groups, and civil society organisations to intensify awareness campaigns in schools and communities, noting that simple words of guidance could have a lasting impact on young people.
Also speaking, guidance counsellor and teacher, Saadatu Hussein, attributed the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths to peer pressure and exposure to harmful content on social media.
She advised parents and teachers to pay closer attention to children’s behaviour and provide proper guidance both at home and in school.
“As parents and teachers, we must monitor children closely and continue talking to them whenever we notice unusual behaviour. One day, they will listen,” she said.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Safe Harbour Therapy and Counselling, Mohamed Awwal Yakubu, identified bad peer influence, lack of guidance, and family background as major drivers of drug abuse among youths.
He encouraged students to seek mentorship, counselling, and support whenever necessary while avoiding negative influences.
Vice Principal Administration of Government Secondary School Piwoyi, Sanusa Ahmed, stressed the importance of counselling and careful selection of friends among students.
He urged students to avoid associating with peers who could negatively influence them and to always follow medical prescriptions properly.
Students who participated in the programme said the sensitisation enlightened them on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of resisting peer pressure.
Head Girl of the junior secondary section, Nafisa Ndakokolo, said the programme taught her that drug abuse could destroy lives and futures.
“I have learned that drug abuse is very bad and can affect our lives and future. I will not allow my friends to influence me into taking drugs,” she said.
Similarly, SS1 science student, Adedayo Oluwasegun, said the sensitisation reinforced the need for young people to stay away from drugs in order to achieve their goals and secure their future.
The programme featured interactive sessions where students were educated on the causes, dangers, and long-term effects of drug abuse, while encouraging them to make positive and responsible life choices.
