FROM MIJINYAWA BABA-UTHMAN, MINNA.
As part of efforts to curb the menace of drug abuse in the State, a non governmental organization (NGO) Michael Dato Relief Foundation (MDRF) has distributed educational items to over 200 students in Suleja local government area of Niger state.
President of the Foundation, Helen Umar said during a Seminar on War Against Drug Abuse organized by MDRF in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Suleja Command that the educational items will aid students and youths on the dangers of drug abuse and other voices.
According to her “my joy is to be able to help the needy, youths and students. The aim is to equip them with information to better their character, moral and attitude. it gives me a lot of joy”.
She added that some of their programmes include medical outreaches, monthly distribution of food items to widows and less privileged, distribution of free exercise books and other writing materials to community based schools, and payment of tuition fees for some children from poor homes.
Speaking also, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics of the NDLEA, Saddam Solomon said the Agency moves from school to school to discourage students from experimenting or engaging in drugs.
During his presentation, Solomon said the use of illicit drugs have ruined the lives of several students, adding that “those who are lucky to survive, are now undergoing rehabilitation.”
While commending the Foundation during his goodwill message, the Director, Social Development, Suleja LGA, Murtala Zubairu who was represented by Staff Officer Ibrahim Paiko called on youths not to engage in any form of abuse adding that “a lot of students have destroyed their future as a result of abuse and use of illicit drugs”.
Some of the students who spoke called on youths not to engage in the abuse of drugs but to seek medical attention before getting any drugs.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of educational items to various schools in Suleja.
