A non-governmental organisation has advocated for a school-based education policy in preventing drug abuse among students in public and private institutions across states of the federation.
The Motivator’s Crib Africa gave the suggestion on the sidelines of a day “Drug-Thon” programme organised for some selected schools in Osun on Friday.
Executive Director, MCA, Nwokocha Chijioke, said the essence of the programme was to create an approach to developing ideas that would strengthen drug prevention through arts and crafts in schools.
He said that knowledge acquired in the drug-a-thon meeting would go a long way in educating and boosting the morale of students against drug abuse and human trafficking.
According to him, students must learn to stay away from drugs to be worthy ambassadors in society.
Chijioke said the Motivators Crib Africa, was on a quest to leave no one behind in the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking by fostering inclusivity and amplifying voices that have been unheard.
“We have contributed to different policy dialogues and practice shifts, initiated safe communication and non-judgemental space for survivors of these social problems and/or Most-at-risk and underserved populations.
In his address, Ajaegbu Chinedu, the Zonal Commander, the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking of Persons, NAPTIP, said the need for stakeholders’ support in the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking has become paramount.
Chinedu said many students have fallen victim to various abuses, such as labour and sexual exploitations, bad peer groups and other negative societal vices without any sense of reasoning or suspiciousness.
He said the need to join hands together to fight the menace is paramount for the safety of society.
Also, Yetunde Yofaha, the Assistant State Coordinator, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said teaching in the classroom was not enough to curb drug abuse and human trafficking.
Yofaha said the need to use creative arts and crafts in schools would help in increasing awareness and also educating students and teachers.
She identified poor parental guidance as one of the indices contributing to drug abuse among students, saying it must be addressed immediately.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Osun Ministry of Education, K. Jimoh advised participants to do away with any form of drugs that could endanger their lives and also truncate their future.
Jimoh advised students to make use of all the knowledge acquired in the drug-a-thon and promised that the state would not relent in its effort to fight drug abuse.
He appreciated the organisers for organizing the event at a time when drug abuse was rampant among students.
The PS cautioned against the offensive use of drugs prescribed by medical practitioners to avoid any form of overdose leading to abuse.
He, however, called on stakeholders to support the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking in the state to make both public and private schools safe for students.
