In an effort to contribute to the betterment of society, good citizenship and social development, Managing Partner Zenera Consulting Meka Olowola joined several other panelists to campaign against drug abuse at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) recently. The event, aimed at creating awareness about the adverse effects of drug abuse among the youth, was the result of a collaboration between the Students Affairs Division of UNILAG and the KB Klub, an exclusive socio-philanthropic organisation comprising male medical students of the College of Medicine, UNILAG, to launch a campus-wide campaign against drug abuse.
Olowola, who graced the event as Chairman, YES Nigeria, sensitised participants on entrepreneurship, mentorship and strategies that will help them cope with the challenges of daily living, eliminating the need to abuse drugs as a coping mechanism. The welcome address was delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Managerial Services UNILAG, Prof. Duro Oni, and was followed by a lecture on ‘The Implication of Drug Abuse’ anchored by renowned clinical psychologist, Dr. Charles Umeh.
Flagged off with campus-wide rallies and visits to all UNILAG faculties, the campaign also featured talks from a panel of facilitators with expertise in the fields of medicine, crime, law and education. More colour was added to the campaign via social media, a platform dominated by the youth who happen to be the target audience.
The highlight of the event was a panel session involving eminent stakeholders alongside Olowola such as Chairperson, Counselling Centre Management Committee (CCMC), Prof. A.M. Olusakin; Founder/CEO, Paroche Reach-Out Foundation; Mrs. Titilola Adesanya; Director, Drug Demand Reduction Directorate, NDLEA, Dr. Ikechukwu Felicia; National Coordinator, Christ Against Drug Addiction Ministry, Mr. Dokun Adedeji and Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, UNILAG; Dr. Karo Ogbinaka. They all enjoined participants to do all in their power to become national ambassadors of a progressive and drug-free society.
The first phase of the campaign featured a symposium which held at the College of Medicine, Idi Araba in July. In attendance were students from the Idi Araba and Akoka campuses; the Provost, CMUL; Prof. Ogunsola, Dean, Students Affairs UNILAG; Prof. Babawale, Dean, Students Affairs CMUL; Prof. Akinsola, among other notable dignitaries. Drama presentations, art exhibitions and talent hunt competitions were organised to boost student participation, all of which cascaded into a grand finale at the Main Auditorium, UNILAG.
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