The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Soroptimist International of Ikeja have joined forces to educate students in Lagos about the perils of drug and substance abuse. Mrs Bunmi Oguntuase, President of Soroptimist International of Ikeja, urged students to steer clear of drugs and make healthy choices that would secure their future and help them achieve academic and life goals.
Sensitisation Programme at Ogudu Senior Grammar School
The sensitisation and awareness programme on preventing drug and substance abuse among senior secondary school students took place at Ogudu Senior Grammar School in Ogudu Government Reserved Area (GRA), Lagos. It brought together about 200 students from Ogudu Senior Grammar School and Ojota Senior High School for an intensive session on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing.
Three Major Objectives
Addressing the students, Oguntuase said the programme aimed to achieve three major objectives: creating awareness about drug and substance abuse, educating students on the harmful physical, emotional, and mental effects of drugs, and equipping them with practical strategies to resist peer pressure and avoid harmful activities. She emphasised that students must learn when and how to say “No” to negative influences that could destroy their future.
Oguntuase appreciated the support and collaboration of key partners, including the NDLEA Strategic Command (Narcotics) in Ikoyi, Lagos, and HealthyMind Initiative, which comprises psychologists and mental health experts. She also acknowledged the Lagos State Ministry of Education for partnering to ensure the programme's success.
She explained that Soroptimist International is a global organisation for women in business, management, and professions dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls through awareness, advocacy, and action. The Soroptimist International of Africa and its Ikeja club focus on educating, enabling, and empowering women and girls for societal upliftment. Oguntuase expressed concern over the rising rate of substance abuse among secondary school students in Nigeria, noting that the problem has escalated beyond marijuana, alcohol, and glue-sniffing to narcotics and other dangerous substances.
NDLEA Deputy Commander's Warning
Deputy Commander of the NDLEA, Titilope Ogunluyi, warned students against experimenting with drugs, stressing that substance abuse destroys lives, affects academic performance, and can lead to addiction and criminal behaviour. She educated the students on the dangers of narcotics and other illicit substances, urging them to avoid bad company and resist peer pressure. Ogunluyi encouraged students to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to their studies, adding that every decision they make today will affect their future. She also advised students to seek guidance from parents, teachers, counsellors, and trusted adults whenever they face emotional challenges or pressure from friends.
Brain Development and Drug Abuse
During the training session, students were taught that the brain is still developing during teenage years and that drug abuse can damage areas responsible for decision-making, memory, emotions, and self-control. Facilitators explained that many drugs interfere with brain chemicals such as dopamine, which can lead to dependence or addiction over time. They warned that addiction can sometimes begin with “just trying it once” out of curiosity, experimentation, or peer pressure.
Participants also learned that not all harmful substances are illegal, as alcohol, nicotine, misuse of prescription drugs, and excessive intake of energy drinks can negatively affect both the brain and body. Experts stressed that peer pressure should never determine personal decisions and encouraged students to develop the confidence to say “No” to harmful influences.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Students were advised to adopt healthy coping mechanisms such as sports, music, prayer, hobbies, positive friendships, and speaking with trusted adults whenever they feel stressed, frustrated, or emotionally overwhelmed. Resource persons highlighted that drug abuse can affect academic performance, concentration, memory, and future career opportunities. They encouraged students facing substance-related challenges to seek help early from parents, teachers, counsellors, psychologists, religious leaders, or healthcare professionals, noting that seeking help is a sign of strength and responsibility.
Principal's Appreciation
The Principal of Ogudu Senior Grammar School, Mrs Elo Abighe, thanked the association, experts, and partners for participating in the programme. She urged the students to remain focused on their education and future goals while avoiding activities that could negatively affect their lives and academic aspirations.
