The Lagos State Government has called on all the students in the state to stay away from drug abuse so that they can fulfil their potential.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated this at the Official Flag Off Ceremony and Sensitisation Campaign Against Drug Abuse In Schools organised by the Ministry at Government Girls' College, Agege Wednesday
According to Pharm (Mrs) Oke-Osanyintolu, statistics revealed that an alarming rate of persons, students inclusive, are daily becoming substance or drug addicts, thereby deviating from the right path that would lead them to fulfilment in life.
Her words: "As the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, this School Advocacy Campaign Against Drug Abuse is a campaign that speaks directly to the heart of our vision, which is to create a safe learning environment where every student can thrive without the shadow of drugs. Every great nation stands on the shoulders of its young people. And every young person carries a dream to be great, make a difference and live a fulfilled life. But that dream can only survive when the mind is clear, the body is healthy, and the heart is strong. Unfortunately, one of the biggest enemies of those dreams is drug abuse."
The Permanent Secretary implored the students to focus on their academics, have self-discipline and believe in their ability to actualise their dreams regardless of the prevailing circumstances and situations that may militate against their aspirations.
Speaking in the same vein, Presiding Chaplain, Chapel of Christ the Light, Rev (Dr) Dele Ajayi and Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Dr Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, represented by the Director of School's Administration, Mrs Maria Olufunmilayo Ojo, counselled the students to stay away from every form of substance or drug abuse if they desire to have a beautiful and glorious future which would bring joy to their parents and pride to their nation.
Dr Mariam Ibrahim, Mrs Bolanle Idowu and Aminat Yusuf, the Resource Persons, took the students on "The Danger of Drug Abuse" and "Understanding the Legal Consequences of Drug Abuse", during which they enlightened the students on the irreparable damage that drug abuse does to any person who indulges in it.
The school advocacy campaign against drug abuse is a major programme of Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA), a Unit in the Ministry of Youth and Social Development with the mission to educate, empower, engage and protect young people to say NO to drugs, and YES to life through massive awareness programmes. The Unit is presently headed by Mr Lukmon Kotun.
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