As part of the orientation programme for the new intakes in Chrisland University, the Oun state Drug Control Committee(OSDCC) has involved the services of different specialised drug related agencies to inform the students on the hazardous effects of drug and substance abuse and the inauguration of the Drug Free Club.

These agencies which include – National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Christ Against Drug

Abuse Ministry (CADAM), Ogun State Drug Control Committee popularly known as Drug Free Club (DFC)

which is saddled with the responsibility of preventive education, urged the participants to avoid every form of drug abuse which is detrimental to health.

Speaking during the occasion, the public relations officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun state, Mr. S. Abdulaihi, discouraged participants against the use of illicit drugs and substances. He emphasized that it is far cheaper to prevent drugs abuse than cure.

“That is why we are moving round schools to talk to the youths who are mostly the vulnerable group. We want them to make healthy choice of living by being properly informed about the negative consequences of drug addiction. Some effects of drugs include health consequences that are long-lasting and permanent.”

He added that people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction also have a higher risk of unintentional injuries, accidents and domestic violence incidents.

Also at the ceremony, Dr. Dogun Deji, director of Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM),

informed participants of the social consequences of drug abuse which is very enormous.

According to Deji, “Drug abuse and depression account for many cases of suicide in the world.”

While stressing on illicit drug disorder which he said is very rampant among the youth and it attendant consequences, he challenged participants to always look for behavioural patterns like nervousness, lack of self-respect, anxiety, withdrawal from activities, etc, as possible indicators or symptoms of drug abuse.

“When you notice any of these sudden change in the behavioural pattern in others, please prop into them and report to the appropriate quarters.” He advised.

While also hyping on the preventive measure rather than the curative, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Peace Chinedum Babalola thanked all the participants, advising the students to be good ambassador of the university by eschewing every appearance of illicit drug.

She explained that drug addict hardly develop interest in academic work as they are not likely to be serious.

“The best is not to be addicted because it is always difficult coming out of it.” She warned.

She further encouraged the need for our nollywood industry to develop indigenous films to sensitise our teaming youths about the inherent dangers in drug and substance abuse.

The lectures are parts of the week long matriculation ceremony which began since Monday 4th March in Chrisland University.

The week long programme which is filled with many social activities ended yesterday with the grand finale matriculation ceremony in the university campus.

Chrisland University, proudly synonymous to excellence, is a leading private university aims at giving the very best to equip students with competitive world class education.