• Thursday, March 28, 2024
businessday logo

BusinessDay

Nigerian Red Cross takes fight against drug abuse to schools

red cross

The event was organised to create more awareness amongst the students on the anti-social vices, its dangers and how it leads to insecurity in the school and the society at large.

Adegboye Michael, a representative from the Ministry of Education, Alausa while addressing the students discussed the dangers of drug addiction and cultism and how it could destroy the future of students.

Describing drug abuse as the use of drugs in a way other than its medically approved purpose, Adegboye stated that drugs could either be harmful or socially acceptable which must be used in moderation. He however said such drugs should only be used by adults.

Admonishing the students, Adegboye however said that socially unacceptable drugs such as tramadol, codeine should be avoided at all costs. “Drug abuse affects the user, the family of the user and the society at large. Drug abuse affects the user physically, psychologically and socially. Adverse effects of drug abuse include damage to vital organs of the body, sleeplessness, anxiety and loss of job”. He said.

Faosiyat Akindele, the Red Cross coordinator for the school says the spate of insecurity and anti-social activities among the youth necessitated the organising of the programmes as it will help to properly educate students on its dangers.  “What we need to do is to educate them early so that they don’t participate in these kinds of activities. We need to sensitise people at the grassroots on insecurity. We believe that if they are aware and are well informed, they won’t join the bad gangs”.

Though it is the maiden edition in the school, Akindele said the event would be an annual one and hopes that the students become highly informed and well equipped to ward off negative influence from peer pressure.

Akindele also advocates for government support for the uniform voluntary organisations such as the Nigerian Red Cross as activities of these organisations are gradually dying since government support at the school levels had been withdrawn. She says this would help keep the students positively engaged and motivated as against getting lured into cult groups.

Giwa Fasasi, the school principal described the event as a laudable one stating that the event addresses drug abuse, a very fundamental issue in the school system. Fasasi urges parents to take their parenting responsibilities more seriously as there is only so much that the teachers can do.

“Most of the challenges we face in the school emanates from the home. The students spend a bigger part of the day at home. It is known that parents nowadays leave home very early and come back very late without asking the child what they have done in school. The burden of the home is shifted to the teachers and we are not mini gods, we cannot do everything,” he said.