…Ekiti State Technical Advisor On Sport Development Dr Olusola Osetoba as Rallies Nigeria Youth Congress and other Stakeholders in Anti-Drug Awareness Drive.
In a bold move to trickle rising substances abused among youths and other vulnerable groups, the Youths in Emure LGA, Ekiti’ State, staged a high-impact awareness campaign within the town to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event was spearheaded by the Nigerian Youths Congress, Emure Youths Movement and Students union leaders in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All!” formed the rallying cry of the sensitization event which attracted key stakeholders, youths and civil society actors.
The event featured a placard walk across the town and distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on drug abuse, bearing impactful messages designed to spark conversations and educate the public.
Addressing participants, Dr Olusola Osetoba emphasises that drug addiction is a growing public health crisis that demands science-driven, empathetic solutions, not punishment or stigmatization.
“Today is not just about awareness. It’s a day of renewed commitment. Drug addiction is not necessarily a moral failure, it is a medical condition.
“People turn to drugs for different reasons, but we must ensure there are better outlets—safe spaces where they can heal, learn, grow and be supported,” she said.
“Let us break the chains of stigma, silence, and suffering. Together, we can build a future where treatment is accessible, recovery is celebrated, and no one is left behind,” she affirmed.”Behind every abuse, there is a personality, that personality has a message, if care is not taken, that personality, an individual makes a family, families make a community, community makes a state and state makes up a nation.”
