By NewsBits
The David Folaranmi Foundation, an NGO, has lauded the Federal Government commitment and investment in the renewed fight against drug/substance abuse, especially among youths in the country.
The founder of the Foundation, Mr David Folaranmi, made the commendation during a one-day symposium against drug/substance abuse among youths in Enugu. According to Folaranmi, the Federal Government under the leadership of Rtd Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is doing an excellent job in reducing drug/substance abuse throughout the country.
“However, we cannot leave it for the Federal or state government alone. We have to contribute our little quota. There is a need for the private sector, individuals, NGOs, faith-based organizations and everybody to join this noble fight to rescue our youths from the negative consequences of drug/substance abuse,” he said.
Folaranmi, who is also the Executive Director of the Live Free Renewal Centre, called on youths to ensure total abstinence from anything drug or substance notwithstanding how good it was marketed or advertised.
“Always learn to say “NO” to any friend, neighbor and even family relations that want you to taste it or just take a little,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs Nnenna Folaranmi, said that the foundation that started in 2019 had been able to do a lot in curbing menace of drug/substance abuse throughout the country.
“The foundation has been able to rehabilitate and revive over 100 drug addicts from the streets and given them a better life and a bright future.
“Many of those the foundation rescued from drug/substance addiction have gone back to school, engaged themselves meaningfully in skills and jobs and they are doing well in the society.
“We have done this through our personal funding and commitment. Over the years, the foundation close counseling, follow-up and check on identified addicts have impacted so many young lives in the country,” she said.
In a goodwill message, Mrs Nnenna Anozie, a rights activist, admonished youths to be open and close to their parents and guardians and learn how “to voice out if pressured to take drug/substance by anybody or group.”
“You must not fall to cheap blackmail or threat by any drug peddler or even your peers that engage in drug/substance intake. Do not listen to deceivers, who are out to ruin your future and entire life,” Anozie said.
One of the participants, Miss Glory Onuoha, from Drew Philips Tech Magnet Academy, Enugu, said that she had been enlightened to avoid anybody and group with intention to taste a drug/substance.
Onuoha said that she had also learnt to say emphatically “NO” and insist on it while reporting to the authorities or any responsible adult around about the pressure to take drug/substance.
Another participant, Mr Chijioke Madu, a civil society activist, said that the symposium had been enlightening as it exposed new methods of drug/substance sales in the streets and neighbourhoods.
