In today’s world, the scourge of drug abuse or drug addiction has become highly worrisome. The consequence of such addiction, abuse, trafficking or even cultivation can be devastating; especially as facts continuously note the disturbing level of vulnerability to such substances among youths. More Nigerian youths are becoming drug addicts as Nigeria gradually graduates from a drug consuming nation to a drug producing one. A number of recent studies suggest that almost all Nigerian youths experiment with drugs at some point, particularly alcohol and nicotine.

 Despite the efforts of various federal and state government agencies to fight the menace of illicit drugs production and consumption, more young people are being recruited daily by drug barons to serve as couriers just as many more are increasingly becoming addicted to assorted drugs. Sadly, the fight against drug addiction within the Nigerian society is believed to be further compounded by the various socio-economic challenges facing the youths, especially unemployment, deteriorating family values, peer pressure, among others. These factors increase their level of vulnerability to several vices transforming them from agents of positive change within their communities to instruments of violence and crime.

 Guided by the desire to bring an end to this societal menace, as well as empower youths as possible agents of development in Nigeria, Salimo-Wits Foundation, the Divine Treasurers and PRAWA held a Youth Empowerment Workshop on 11th April 2014 for the nine (9) communities of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.

 The workshop which took place in Dongo Community had 133 youths from Dongo and the other eight (8) Ibeju-Lekki Communities in attendance. It commenced with an opening prayer, the Nigerian National Anthem, as well as a keynote address by the president/founder of the Salimo-Wits Foundation and Divine Treasurers, Ambassador Dan Ekoko.

 After welcoming everyone present, Ambassador Dan Ekoko began his Address with a definition of the term, ‘youth’. According to him, in 1998, the United Nations predicted that the number of young people would grow to more than 1.2 billion in 2010. Currently, half of the world’s population is under the age of 25. In Nigeria, one third of the population comprises of young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

 He opined that the youths are the greatest assets of any country as well as the engine room of growth and development. Using the Bible as a reference point, he explained that different stages in life have their different challenges and Drug abuse happens to be one of the challenges faced by the youths. Drug abuse is a shared problem around the world and has been described as a scourge and one of the chief distracters of Nigerian youths in their pursuit of relevance, success, impact and greatness in life.

 He explained that when a person has no vision or personal goals, drug abuse become almost inevitable. He further emphasized that a person’s youth should not be spent on reckless, unproductive and wasteful activities. It should not be for indulging in alcohol consumption, cigarette and marijuana smoking, cult activities or several other anti-social behaviors. Instead it should be a time for planning, dreaming, aspiring and strategizing for a greater future. He asked the young people present where they saw themselves within the society in 5 to 10 years. Citing examples of highly influential people nationally and internationally, he explained that a person’s socio-economic background or past to should not be the major determinant of his or her future. He went further by encouraging the participants to learn the lessons the past must have presented and use it instead to build a better future for themselves. In conclusion, he declared the workshop open and expressed the desire for fruitful, rewarding and life-changing discussions as products of the activity.

 After the Keynote Address, the first workshop session was anchored by Pharm. Nonso Maduka (PRAWA) who discussed the Implication of Substance Abuse on the Future of the Youths. He began his presentation by identifying three major drugs- Alcohol, Cigarette and Marijuana- which he referred to as the gateway drugs. He explained that he refers to them as gateway drugs because they usually lay the foundation for the consumption of various illicit drugs. Within the limited time available, he explained the psychological and physiological impacts of these drugs on both men and women at various stages of their lives. Using his own life experiences, he also addressed several questions on challenges faced by the participants on the consumption and impacts of these substances.

 The second session of the workshop tagged: Drugs to Wealth was anchored by Ambassador Sunny Ikhioya who sought to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship among those present. He explained to them that being agents of development within their communities can only be possible with the realization and effective application of their various skills and talents. He discussed the need for determination and self improvement and also explained that it is important for every individual to not only discover that which they are passionate about but also pursue it. In conclusion, he emphasized on the need for ingenuity, hard-work and patience as one strives for success in any endeavor.

The Empowerment Workshop was concluded by the sharing of life experiences by former drug users and cultists, as well as a vote of thanks by the Baale of the Dongo Community.