Yesterday, on October 19th, 2023, Hon. Abdulmumin Edidi flagged off the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Lagos Central Senatorial District Inter-Secondary School Debate on Drug-Abuse 2023. The program brought together students from 30 Junior and Senior public secondary schools across the Lagos Central Senatorial District, with each Local Government Area (LGA) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) represented.

Under the theme “Preserving the Future with Clean Health,” this initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of drug abuse among students in public secondary schools. It serves as a Peer-to-Peer advocacy and educational program, derived from the Nigerian Youth Parliament Drug and Substance Abuse Control Policy 2022.

During the preliminary round, students engaged in thought-provoking debates on various topics related to drug abuse. These included addressing the responsibility of the government in combating drug abuse among youth, exploring whether drug abuse is a result of bad choices or a psychological disorder, and discussing the necessity of mandatory drug testing for individuals accessing major government services and opportunities.

Impressive performances were showcased by schools such as New Era Girls Junior School in Surulere LGA, Araromi Junior High School in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Coker Junior High School in Coker-Aguda LCDA, Okesuna Junior High School in Lagos Island East LCDA for the junior category. In the senior category, Eko Akete Senior School in Lagos Island LGA, Kings College, Gbaja Girls Senior School in Surulere LGA, and Apapa Senior High School demonstrated their knowledge and skills.

The finale is to be chaired by; Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, H.E. Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; Chairman L.E.A.R.N and Former First Lady of Lagos State as Keynote Speaker, and Engr. Gbolahan Yishawu as Chief Host, amongst others.

The program is not just a debate contest but an advocacy program; designed to make the students take ownership of the drug abuse discussion, as well as take peer action.

Winners are expected to recieve various prizes such as Laptops, Mobile Tablets, Books, Tech Scholarships etc.

We urge the public to join hands with us to make our schools drug free.