The Lagos State Government has called on all the students in the state to stay away from drug abuse.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, stated this at the Official Flag-Off Ceremony and Sensitisation Campaign Against Drug Abuse in Schools, organised by the ministry at Government Girls’ College, Agege.
According to a Thursday statement, Oke-Osanyintolu said statistics revealed that an alarming number of persons, students inclusive, are daily becoming substance or drug addicts, thereby deviating from the right path that would lead them to fulfilment in life.
She said, “As the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, this School Advocacy Campaign Against Drug Abuse is a campaign that speaks directly to the heart of our vision, which is to create a safe learning environment where every student can thrive without the shadow of drugs.
Did you know the chainsaw was originally invented for childbirth? | Punch0:00 / 0:00
“Every great nation stands on the shoulders of its young people. And every young person carries a dream to be great, make a difference and live a fulfilled life. But that dream can only survive when the mind is clear, the body is healthy, and the heart is strong.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest enemies of those dreams is drug abuse.”
The Permanent Secretary implored the students to focus on their academics, have self-discipline and believe in their ability to actualise their dreams regardless of the prevailing circumstances and situations that may affect their aspirations.
The Presiding Chaplain, Chapel of Christ the Light, Rev Dr Dele Ajayi, and Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Dr Idowu Oyetola, represented by the Director of School Administration, Maria Ojo, counselled the students to stay away from drug abuse if they desire to have a beautiful and glorious future that would bring joy to their parents and pride to the nation.
