The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) have joined forces to establish a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Club at Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening the fight against drug abuse among youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Head of the FCT Command of the NDLEA, Mr. Kabiru Tsakuwa, expressed strong support for the creation of the club, recognizing the school’s potential to significantly contribute to the agency’s aggressive anti-drug campaign.
Mr. Tsakuwa, represented by Deputy Head of Command, Mr. Asa Ayodeji Oluwole, made the commitment during a sensitization campaign at the school last week.
The campaign, themed “Avoid Drugs Instead of Experiment,” was a collaborative effort between NDLEA and WAANSA.
It was designed to raise awareness among students about the dangers of drug abuse.
Tsakuwa emphasized the importance of involving young people in the fight against drug abuse, noting that they are crucial to achieving a drug-free Nigeria.
He encouraged students to resist peer pressure and avoid illicit drugs that could jeopardize their future.
Chief Superintendent of Narcotics at NDLEA, Mr. Augustine Nduka, provided an overview of various substances and drugs, explaining that while some may not be officially banned, they can still cause significant harm.
He stressed that drug addiction is not only a brain disease but also a relapsing condition, with affected individuals requiring rehabilitation to avoid ending up on the streets.
WAANSA’s 1st Regional Vice President, Mr. Martins Igwe, also addressed the students, urging them to remain focused on their education and avoid the temptation to abuse drugs. He pointed out that drug abuse remains a leading cause of death among Nigerian youths and highlighted the long-term impact on both physical health and mental well-being. Igwe further appealed to parents to continue supporting anti-drug efforts at home.
The Principal of Premiere Academy, Mr. Chris Akinsowon, thanked both NDLEA and WAANSA for their contributions to the sensitization campaign.
He noted that the school had consistently implemented initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse and welcomed the establishment of the WADA Club.
Akinsowon also emphasized the importance of early education on the dangers of drug abuse and its role in shaping the choices of Nigerian youths.
At the end of the event, special commendation awards were presented to Mr. Martins Igwe and Mr. Kabiru Tsakuwa for their efforts to combat negative behaviors in Abuja.
The awards were given by the Principal, Mr. Chris Akinsowon, and the Supervising Director, Mr. Akin Oladapo.