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RESTORE Hope for the Boy Child Initiative, an NGO, has reiterated the need to intensify campaign against drug abuse in schools and communities.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Dr Babatunde Kayode, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The campaign, he said was to encourage healthy choices and behaviours among young male children in the society.
He said that his organisation was working with schools, communities and parents to tackle drug abuse and its effects among young boys.
Kayode identified peer pressure, social influence, low self-esteem and lack of confidence, among young boys as some of the prevalent causes of drug and substance abuse.
“They are sometimes eager to escape from problems, stress or even social media and its negative effects.
“Our organisation beliefs that prevention is a key and we must invest in prevention programmes that educate our youths about the dangers from early age,’’ he said.
Kayode added that the use of illicit substances, among other forms of intoxication, had been a major form of inducement to social vices among men in the society.
He explained that it was, however, pertinent to curb the addiction before the boys were initiated into the illicit practice, while they were still young.
The director said that his organisation alongside its partners would work to support, guide and empower boys in targeted communities to make informed decisions to live healthy.
“We will provide resources and services to help parents and caregivers navigate the challenges of raising a drug-free generation,’’ he said.
Kayode said that his organisation was collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle the “critical work.’’
He said that his organisation had taken its campaign in June to Government Boys College Apo to mark the 2024 UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
This, he noted, was part of efforts to educate students about the dangers of illicit substance, provide age-appropriate drug awareness programmes, identify and also support students struggling with addiction.
He listed parents and community leaders as essential role models that must engage the youths to have open and honest conversations about drug abuse.
“Their roles are to encourage healthy relationships and activities, monitor behaviours and seek help when needed, and serve as positive role models to this group of youths.
“By working together, we can create a supportive environment for these boys; encourage healthy choices and behaviours among them.
“We will be able to identify and address risk factors and warning signs among them,” Kayode said. (NAN)
23rd July, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Dr Babatunde Kayode RESTORE Hope RESTORE Hope for the Boy Child Initiative
