Wise Walk Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation for teenage and youth counselling in Nigeria, has vowed to continue its cause to curb addictions among secondary school students in the country.
The Foundation made this known after concluding a 10-week ‘Teens Against Addictions” (TAA) Tour to secondary schools in Lagos Mainland.
The tour, at its maiden edition, aimed to raise awareness against abuse and addictions among students and enlighten them on the dangers of these menaces and how to avoid them.
Expressing her concerns over the alarming rate of addictions among students, Convener and Lead Coordinator, Emike Oyemade, disclosed that habits and dependencies on drugs, gambling, sex, gaming and other addictions can ruin the lives of our youngsters if we do not war against them at the early stages.
According to her, “Peer pressure and societal influence are highly instrumental to the rise of addictions among our students. One rotten apple is enough to spoil the bunch. If one student is addicted, the high tendency of evil communication to corrupt good manners puts his circle at risk.”
“This tour has exposed the rising state of addictions in our society, and severing our future leaders from these dangers is a collective responsibility.”
“With the backing of Zenith Bank Plc, Lagos State Ministry of Education, the school authorities and many volunteers, we sensitised over 11,000 students across 10 secondary schools in Lagos Mainland. Each student also got a free copy of the book titled: ‘Addictions That Can Ruin A Youth.’”
Oyemade called on governments at different levels, business and nonprofit organisations, parents, teachers and school authorities to rise and support the war against addictions among teenagers and adolescents in Nigeria.
Assistant Director of Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education (District IV), Ms Ayodeji Johnson, praised Wise Walk Foundation for this laudable initiative. She enjoined students to imbibe the counselling they have received and stay away from habits that can truncate their future.
Expressing great delight over the success of the maiden edition of the tour and positive impact on the students, Ugochi Nweke, Head, Sustainability, Zenith Bank Plc, said “We appreciate deliberate efforts to impart the younger generation with the right values. Zenith Bank is more than happy to support initiatives that make a difference in the lives of our future leaders.”
Oyemade noted that Wise Walk Foundation will not relent in its fight against addictions. She said, “Plans are ongoing to reach more schools during the third term in our school calendar. We urge the government and socially responsible corporate organisations and individuals to reach out and support our cause.”
