By: Tope OYEKAN

The Iperu Remo Education Trust Scheme Management Board will today, Wednesday, 3rd July, 2024, holds a sensitization talk on drug abuse as part of its effort at curbing the menace of drug abuse among secondary school students.

The  campaign tagged "War Against Drug Abuse", according to a release from the board's Chairman, Mofopefoluwa JOSEPH, FRM, is a follow up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse celebrated globally on the 26th of June, 2024.

"The board in an attempt at building on this global initiative, has therefore decided to put the crucial event together, aimed at raising awareness about the devastating effects of drug abuse on individuals, and the society at large, and standing firmly and working concertedly towards creating a healthier and safer community for all", said the Chairman.

The talk is divided into two sessions, namely the morning session and the afternoon session.

During the morning session, which starts by 10 am, there will be a lecture entitled - "Standing Together Against Drug Abuse", while the afternoon session which starts by 12.30 pm, shall also feature another lecture, with the topic - "The Role of Parents in Raising Change Agents in Communities".

Both lectures shall be delivered by Lion Ibiba ODILI, a distinguished Speaker and Advocate, and a member of the Lions Club International; and former Director, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ogun State.

Lion ODILI will at the morning session educate the students about the dangers of drug abuse, and the importance of making informed, but healthy choices; while at the afternoon session, he will be engaging with the parents, as he highlights to them the critical role they have to play in preventing drug abuse, and fostering a supportive environment for their children.

Expected to grace the event which promises to be enlightening and empowering, is Princess (Pastor)  Funmilola Taiwo BASIBO-ODORU, who shall counsel the students with some words of inspiration.

Also expected at the gathering are the Chairman, Iperu Development Association, Chief Babajide OYETI; and the Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun OGUNLEYE, both as Special Guests of Honour; and who shall both deliver goodwill messages and words of encouragement to the youngsters.

The Lead Royal Father of the Day is the Alaperu of Iperu, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Adelekan IDOWU-BASIBO (Odoru V), FIEX, FICMC, and the monarch shall also give his royal blessings at the event.

The programme which has as its Chief Host, the Chairman of the Iperu Remo Education Trust Scheme Management Board, Mofopefoluwa JOSEPH, FRM, shall also witness the formal unveiling and showcase  of the brilliant exploits and innovative skills of Daniel AYODELE, the 15 year old, student of Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, who built a prototype Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and Olayinka AWOTEDU of the Akesan Community Grammar School, Iperu Remo, 

The creativity and dedication to positive change of these young lads, actually exemplified the spirit of the board's campaign against drug abuse.