By Vera Anyagafu

“Drug abuse is very serious issue. Apart from damaging your future or destroying your destiny, it damages every other person that is associated with you.

“When anyone approaches you to take them, resist it. Once you recognise that this is a drug, don’t take it. Learn to say no politely because it destroys one’s future. When opportunities are opening, those that got you into it won’t be there again. Be careful. Your life is important just as your future is important”, were words of Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos Command, Mr. Lambert Nor.

The Commandant spoke at the recently concluded US Department of States International Visitors Leadership Program Alumni Association (IVLPAA) program, tagged, “,The Conversation: An Open Dialogue with Boys.

At the IVLPAA program organised to equip male students with essential knowledge and resilience to navigating life challenges, including also, cybercrime, drug abuse and other societal pitfalls, the NDLEA Commandant, who is also the Chairman, IVLPAAN Board of Trustees, advised the students to learn to reject pressures related to drug abuse.

He told them the many consequences of drug abuse during the program held at Lagos City Senior College in the Yaba area of Lagos State and warned that drugs outside medical prescription and for pleasure should be avoided.

“There are consequences for doing this. Some of them are physical, psychological, economic and social.

Drug abuse is when you take drugs outside medical prescription and for pleasure.

So don’t ever start, no matter the attraction. Some will say it will help you to read well. It is a lie. It does not help but gives you a habit that will kill you”, he warned.

The NAFDAC Commandant went further to explain to the over 100 male students present at the program that getting into drug can destabilise both personal and family productivity as well, bring additional healthcare costs and loss of future productivity to the abuser’s immediate community and the nation as a whole.

“Involving in drugs and or substances abuse cause abusers mental health problems, such as depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal, and other psychosocial dysfunctions”, he added.

Representative of the Education District V, Mrs. Rose Nwaiie, in her remark, mentioned the need for more of the sensitization program, while advising the male students to steer clear of drugs and other substance abuse, no matter the circumstance.

She also applauded efforts made by the US Consulate Lagos and the IVLPAA for launching such a laudable program, intended to curb rising menace of drug abuse and its attendant criminal activities.

Shola Owonikoko, a development practitioner, who enlightened participating students on the perils of drug abuse and cybercrime, spoke extensively on the many factors that have been identified to be responsible for drug abuse and cybercrime among young people.

Some of the factors according to him, include, peer pressure, experimental curiosity, poor socio-economic condition, among others.

Owonikoko related through his topic, ‘Guiding Boys Through Adolescence: Self-Development Principles and the Perils of Cybercrime, that regardless of one’s background, one can be who he or she chooses to become in live.

You can choose to be either good or bad, but becoming the good part is profiting, he said, adding that, “That you were not born with a silver spoon does not mean you cannot be anywhere you want in the world. Your background is not enough to limit you from becoming who you want to be. Education is the best thing you can spend your time doing now because it structures your life and configures your mind. Shun cultism, betting, drug use and cybercrime. It is capable of limiting your future.”

Similarly, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, advised students against being a second version of others, saying that, it is important to note that each person is different and what works for one person may not work for the other.

“When you are faced with either friendly or teasing pressure to partake in drug abuse, please walk away. Do not change for anybody, and never be a second version of anybody. Always be the best. You are special and the very best,” she advised, while speaking on ‘Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment: The Psychological Blueprint for Boyhood.

‘Crafting a well-rounded boy: Preparation for a life of Optimal Performance and Continuous Growth’ lectured the male students by Finbarr Aniekeme, gave insights on striving for excellence.

Finbarr, urged students to steer clear of negative influences, while emphasising on the significance of self-belief, discipline, and avoiding vices.

He told them to believe in themselves, be committed to their studies, and be responsible, as well as self reliant in order to attain outstanding personalities in the future.

 “The first thing is to believe in yourself. You can be outstanding. Nothing is inhibiting your brain. It is to believe that you’re special. Nobody in this world is permitted to tell you that you are a dunce.

“We are celebrating the day of the boy child, and we want all boys to grow up and become responsible. The problem is that boys tend to be irresponsible if they join bad groups. Many beat women.  Real boys are calm and confident; they don’t join gangs and secret cults”. Finbarr said.

Also speaking, motivational speaker, Mrs Saudat Salami, on her topic, ‘Cultivating Domestic and Social Etiquette: Essential Skills for a Fulfilling Boyhood’, enlightened the students on the importance of building leadership skills and setting examples as leaders.

According to Saudat, much time have been spent on grooming female children as wives and we need to also groom the male children to be husband material for the woman they marry in the future.

“It is not only about your education but also your leadership skills. A leader sets an example and is responsible and respectful. You also have to be responsible on social media. So many people have gotten jobs and their spouses on social media. Some people have done great things with the relationships they build online. Some have started using technology to commit fraud. This is rampant and is not what we want for you as leaders.  You can use tech for good purposes. Your interaction with girls is very important. Ask permission when relating to girls, and don’t harass them. Consent is very important”, she warns,

Giving a word of advice to the teenage boys, former President, IVLPAA, Princess Tade Adetoun, said that intervention measures to tackling drug abuse and cybercrime in the country should be all inclusive. No one should be left out in the fight against drug and substance abuse.

Adetoun said that the government, society, religious bodies, nongovernmental organizations as well as individuals, all have a role to play. The efforts are numerous and non exhaustive, she said, pointing out some recommendations that might be applied to address the growing epidemic.

“Secondary school based programs, just like the one we are witnessing today, which aim at encouraging healthy practices and life style among adolescents would go a length to preventing substance use.

There should also be periodic reviews of the school curriculum to introduce topics centered on dangers of drug abuse and cybercrime.

Also, we need to, as parents, educate our children on risks associated with drug abuse.

The prevalence is higher among the younger population, males, undergraduates, secondary school students, commercial vehicle drivers”, she stated, adding that, drug abuse has been a cause of many debilitating conditions, leading to psychiatric admissions.

“Therefore, stringent measures are needed, as a matter of urgency to curb the increasing burden of drug abuse in the country”,  Adetoun posited, while also thanking the US Consulate and the IVLPAA for a work well done.

In his remark, President, IVLPAA, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, who was expressive in his joy, advised the students to take heed of the cautionary massages shared with them so far.

Oketola said that, although, much attention has been directed towards empowering women and girls due to the historical neglect they have endured, empowering boys is as well imperative.

 “However, there has been a noticeable gap in support for young boys, and in response, we are here today, with unalloyed support from the US Consulate in Nigeria, to educate and empower the teenage boys through the program, ‘The Conversation: An Open Dialogue with Boys, which is an inclusive forum to equip boys with essential knowledge and resilience to navigate life challenges, including substance abuse, cybercrime, and other societal pitfalls.”

“The conversation will continue through other programmes we are planning for schoolboys”, the IVLPAA President said.