Ablaze FC of Lagos, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Right to Smile Academy, spearheaded an impactful campaign against drug abuse and cultism targeted at youths in the Ijede area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The joint initiative encompassed various outreach activities, including free medical care, football coaching clinics, career seminars, and counseling sessions, all aimed at empowering and educating the local youth community. The three-day program culminated in a football competition organized by the partnering entities.
Under the theme “Save Our Future – Say No to Drug Abuse,” Oluwafisayo Osho, the Project Director, highlighted that the objective of the initiative was to complement the government’s efforts in eradicating drug abuse among youths. Osho emphasized that this initiative aims to extend its reach to a larger youth demographic in Lagos State and Nigeria, with a commitment to its continuation.
Osho appealed for support from private organizations, compassionate individuals, and government bodies, emphasizing the pivotal role of collective support in the success of such endeavors, particularly in sports-related youth initiatives.
“This campaign is more than just talking to our youths; it’s about active engagement through sports, counseling sessions, and offering free medical assistance. It’s our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, aimed at giving back to society,” said Osho. “We are committed to making it bigger, more engaging, and continuously attracting participation to achieve our goals of positively impacting as many lives as possible.”
The initiative featured outreach activities, including awareness campaigns against drug abuse and cultism using placards, engaging in dialogue with affected youths, and sharing personal testimonies from individuals who had suffered the consequences of drug abuse and cult involvement. These personal narratives underscored the detrimental effects on their lives and careers, serving as cautionary tales for the attending youth.
Osho announced the scheduled next edition of the program in March 2024, with a continued commitment to raising awareness and combating the scourge of drug abuse and cultism among the youth.
A former victim of drug abuse and cultism, addressing the participating youths, shared his heartbreaking story of how his promising football career was derailed due to involvement in such activities. He impassionedly urged the young audience to steer clear of drugs and social vices that could jeopardize their futures, drawing from his own regrettable experience.
The organizers were encouraged not to relent in their efforts to expand the campaign against drug abuse and cultism, reaffirming the necessity of sustained advocacy and community engagement.
