Team WASD Takes Fight Against Drug Abuse To Secondary Schools

….. Anxiety level of youths today is same as the psychiatric patient of the 20th century- Fattai

Bilkisu Aminu

Team WASD (War Against Self Destruction), in collaboration with SAA Adamu hosted on the dangers of wrong and abuse of drugs and illicit substance.

The event which took place on 1st of July 2022 at Paris-Africana international school mararaba, karu LGA Nasarawa state, to mark June 26 international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking,  is set aside by the United state in her charter of 1986.

In his remarks, the chairman of the event, the  CEO Fata Supper System Limited, Chief Dr Fatai Aliu represented by Fatai Taofiq made a presentation on the theme, “share facts on drugs- save lives”, a statement powerfully encompassing the existential danger we are facing at the moment. Taofiq stated, “knowing your problem is the first step and knowing the cause and source of your problem is a progress.”

Fatai noted that the anxiety level of youths today is same as the psychiatric patient of the 20th century.

“Everyone is anxious, the need to make it in life, the need to not be a failure, the need to succeed and not not to be a disappointment. Falling short or not being able to reach the bar that has been set lead to depression which in turn leads to the intake of drug by the victims.” he said

The Chairman noted also that the media and influential personalities have “glamourised the intake of the substances, making it seem cool to be involved in this hazard. It is everywhere, in our music, in our movies, on the social media, everywhere. A disruptive wave sweeping across space and time.”

He said one of the reasons why the African culture is the best is because of our family mentality, seeing ourselves as part of a larger family whereby an elder can see a child doing wrong and correct him. “A contributing factor to the moral decadence in the country is that we are slowly losing this aspect of our culture, almost becoming like the whites, being disenfranchised from community, forgetting that the upbringing of a child is the responsibility of not just the family but the community at large.

“A simple correcting, a simple talking to, could be all that it takes. Ignoring is fatal as you are inadvertently fueling a menace that might not be quenched by a simple talking to later on” Fattai highlighted. Stressing that the importance of family and community is truly underestimated.

Speaking at the event, The convener WASD, Mr Ojong Oga appreciated everyone who took time out of their busy schedule to be part of the event.
He stated that this year’s theme ”share fact on Drugs – save lives” is package by our organization to provide a forum for young people with special focus on secondary school students to reorients one another on the need to curb the menace.

He added that the war of drug abuse is a general war which has brought all and sundry together seeking the best way to bring it to zero tolerance.

“Drug Abuse has destroyed so many lives especially of the youth who are the most vulnerable in the society. Nigeria for example has suffered so much as a result of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The civil unrest the country suffers today is as a result of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs.”

Speaking at the event, The convener WASD, Mr Ojong Oga appreciated everyone who took time out of their busy schedule to be part of the event. He stated that this year’s theme ”share fact on Drugs – save lives” is packaged by  the organization to provide a forum for young people with special focus on secondary school students to reorients one another on the need to curb the menace. He stated that the war of drug abuse is a general war which has brought all and sundry together seeking the best way to bring it to zero tolerance. Drug Abuse has destroyed so many lives especially of the youth who are the most vulnerable in the society. Nigeria for example has suffered so much as a result of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The civil unrest the country suffers today is as a result of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs.

Speaking also at the event, Mr Oketa Ekoja Richard in his paper presentation defined drugs as any substance which has a biological (physiological) effect when consumed (ingested) or otherwise introduced into the body. Biological effect here means “activities which affect the organs and systemic functions without regard to a particular disease.

In an interview with Mr Geoffrey, a psychologist from Brains specialist hospital say that social media is one quickest places where people learn the use of drugs illegally and as such same medium should be use to create awareness on the implication of Drug abuse.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year, to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
Each year, individuals, communities, and organisations all over the world join in the global observance, to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent for societies around the world.

Highlight of the event was award and certificates of commendation given to Schools and individuals for outstanding performance.