Drug prevention advocates and law enforcement officials have called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to intensify efforts in guiding teenagers away from substance abuse and harmful peer influence.
The call was made during a two-day workshop on substance use prevention organized by the Siki Springs Foundation in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, FCT Command.
The workshop aimed to educate secondary school students on the dangers of drug abuse, how to identify harmful substances, and how to resist peer pressure.
Stakeholders emphasized that prevention is not only more effective but also far less expensive than rehabilitation, which often comes too late.
Joy Onatoyinbo, Chief Executive Officer of the Siki Springs Foundation, stressed the need for practical training in addition to awareness campaigns.
“We need to educate the students through workshops that expose them to real-life examples of harmful substances so they can recognize and avoid them, even when influenced by peers or adults,” she said.
Onatoyinbo highlighted the foundation’s focus on government secondary schools, where students are more exposed to negative influences, often due to socioeconomic challenges.
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She pointed out that funding remains a major obstacle, especially since the training is offered free of charge.
“We don’t want students to pay a dime. Many are already struggling with tuition fees. My focus is on children who can’t afford extra costs. Preventing drug abuse is more cost-effective than rehabilitation,” she added.
She appealed to individuals and organizations to support early prevention efforts, calling them essential to national security.
Also speaking, Augustine Nduka, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, NDLEA FCT Command, emphasized the critical role of families, schools, and religious institutions.
“We urge teenagers to open up to their teachers and parents, avoid drug-using peers, and get involved in religious activities,” he said. “Drug use affects the brain and emotions and can derail their future goals.”
Participants praised the interactive nature of the workshop and the expertise of the facilitators.
Mercy Nnamele, one of the participants, noted the importance of early detection.
“You don’t need to catch your child using drugs before acting. If you suspect anything, get a drug test. Early detection can make all the difference,” she said.
Another participant, Deborah Sen, urged schools not to wait for government support before investing in such programmes.
“Workshops like this change perceptions. Schools should invest more in preventive education,” she advised.
Aisha Haruna, also a participant, said the sessions opened her eyes to the dangers of drug use.
“I learned that drugs can seriously harm your health. Even one mistake can cause lasting damage,” she said.
NAN
