NGO adds voice to campaign against drug abuse, illicit trafficking 

A non-governmental organization, Health Education and Empowerment Initiative, has added its voice to the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
June 26 of every year has been set aside to create awareness and mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
This year’s theme was: “Health for Justice and Justice for Health.”
The organization conducted a community outreach to mark the event.
The event held at Arepo community in Ijoko area of Ogun State.
The event started with songs, music and dance, which attracted the people, including motorcycle riders, passersby and hawkers.
Thereafter, it featured talks, presentations, questions and answers and Focus Group Discussions.
A major highpoint of the programme was the film documentary: “My Lagos Diary,” featuring Fatima’s transformation story from addiction to detoxification, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
The film, which evoked a lot of emotions among those present, showcased Fatima’s struggle with drug addiction.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the organization, Folasade Ofurune, stated they decided to conduct an outreach due to the prevalence of drugs and substance abuse in the community.
Ofurune further stated that drug users were engaged during the planning of the event and in choosing the site (venue) to assemble during the programme, adding that the organization involved some of the drug users as mobilizers of the event.
She noted that her organization’s activities hinges on the Sustainable Development Goals – To Leave No One Behind.
Ofurune, during her presentation, stated that drugs abuse is not limited to the smoking of marijuana, explaining that it is the inappropriate use of substances – including alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal drugs for purposes such as pleasure, to feel among, accepted or perform better in certain situation, or to change one’s perception of reality.
This, she said, can have serious and lasting effect on a person’s mental health, physical health, emotional health and overall well-being.
She emphasized the crucial role played by families, schools, and communities.
The Programme Officer of the organization, Gideon Amusan, while taking participants through his presentation, highlighted the different types of drugs, why people abuse drugs, the dangers of substance abuse and emphasized the need for rehabilitation.
At the end of the programme, IEC materials in English and the local language were distributed as retainer of knowledge with the support of the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime.
As an incentive, the organization also gave out gifts and biscuits to participants at the venue.
Some of the participants were identified and chosen as Community-based animators.
Concluding the event, Ofurune stated that the Government should be committed to working with NGOs for the rights – and health-based approach to drugs in other for people to live healthily and ensure the security of our communities.
According to her, HEDEN is not resting on its efforts as it has set to take the drug war to public secondary schools in Ogun State.