By Ayo Onikoyi
The Online Reporters Association of Nigeria (ORAN), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kosofe Local Government and the management of Anthony Village High Senior School, has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse among youths through a sensitisation seminar held at the school.
The event, themed “Youths Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking,” brought together students, parents, teachers and members of the school’s old students association to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the role young people can play in preventing drug trafficking.
Speaking at the seminar, the NDLEA Lagos State Command, represented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, G.A. Adejumoh, on behalf of the State Commander, Abubakar Wali, warned students about the growing threat of drug abuse and trafficking across the country.
Adejumoh explained how drug syndicates target young people through peer pressure, social media influence and promises of quick wealth. He urged students to remain vigilant, identify warning signs early and resist any attempt to lure them into drug-related activities.
“We must empower young people with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
Legal practitioner, Barrister Adewale Lawal, also addressed participants on the legal implications of drug-related offences. He explained the laws governing drug trafficking in Nigeria, the rights of citizens during arrest and prosecution, and the consequences offenders face under the law.
The session generated active participation from students, who raised questions on issues ranging from police conduct and bail procedures to rehabilitation and incarceration for drug offenders.
Speakers at the event identified economic hardship, peer influence and lack of mentorship as some of the factors making young people vulnerable to drug abuse and recruitment by trafficking networks. They, however, stressed that youths can become powerful agents of change through awareness, education and positive peer influence.
Unlike conventional awareness campaigns, the seminar featured interactive sessions, including role-playing exercises and discussions on real-life situations. Students were guided on how to respond when they notice suspicious behaviour among friends and how to safely report drug-related activities without fear of victimisation.
The Principal of Anthony Village High Senior School expressed concern over the widespread availability of harmful substances and alcoholic beverages around communities and called on relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement measures to curb the trend.
Organisers described the programme as part of ongoing efforts to address drug abuse through prevention and education rather than relying solely on law enforcement.
The seminar also received support from the administration of Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, whose government has continued to promote youth-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and community development.
Among media practitioners present at the event were ORAN President and Publisher of Confirm News, Adegbola Shehu Tijani; ORAN Vice President, Emmanuel Chukwuma; General Secretary and Publisher of Bottomline News, Arthur Igbolaju Richard; Treasurer, Titi Akimbo; as well as Peter Shegun Iruobe, Shola Adeboyeku, Bisola Osuntubo, Ganiyat Bakare, Christian Izuchukwu and Quadri Olowolagba.
Participants described the seminar as a timely intervention and commended the partnership between ORAN, NDLEA, the local government and the school, noting that sustained awareness campaigns in schools remain critical to tackling drug abuse and trafficking among young Nigerians.
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