In order to fight against drug abuse and promote community well-being, the management of Lagooz Schools, Lagos in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) reccently organised a health walk as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The event with the theme: “Walk Against Drug Abuse” features pupils/students from the School’s upper primary/secondary school, staff, parents, community members, and leaders within Agege and its environs in Lagos
The initiative according to the Principal, Mrs. Olyvet Otubela, was to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and empower individuals to take a stand against it.
The participants in the health walk were enthusiastic as they marched through the streets of Agege symbolising their commitment to sensitising the community about the perils of drug abuse and advocating for preventive measures.
Stating the objective of the programme, Mrs. Otubela said that the primary goal of the walk was to educate residents, students, parents, landlords, and community members about the detrimental effects of drug abuse.
“Also by increasing awareness, Lagooz School aims to prevent individuals especially teenagers from falling into the trap of substance abuse,” she explained.
She added that Lagooz Schools, in collaboration with the NDLEA, emphasised the importance of counseling and rehabilitation for individuals struggling with drug addiction.
“The program seeks to provide counseling assistance to those in need thereby creating a safe and drug-free community,” she said further.
Addressing the issue of stigma associated with drug abuse, Mrs. Otubela urged members of the society to embrace a non-judgmental approach and encourage individuals battling with addiction to seek help without fear of discrimination.
“By fostering an inclusive environment, the program aims to facilitate access to counseling and support services through help from NDLEA,” she explained.
Listing the findings during the health walk participants identified several key factors contributing to drug abuse within the community to include, peer influence; lack of parental involvement; bandwagon effect; accessibility; family history; mental health issues: lack of education; media influence and lack of support systems, among others.
Otubela explained further that through the health walk and subsequent awareness initiatives, Lagooz Schools hope to empower individuals and communities to take proactive measures against drug abuse in order to foster a healthier and more resilient society “as we believe every step is crucial in combatting drug abuse.”
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