Correspondent in Suleja.
An NGO,Michael Dato Relief Foundation (MDRF) distributed educational materials to over 200 less privileged students in Suleja, Niger State,in a significant effort to combat drug abuse among youths.
This initiative coincided with a seminar titled “War Against Drug Abuse,” organized in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
During the seminar, MDRF President of the NGO,Mrs. Helen Umar emphasized the importance of education in steering youths away from drug dependency.
“By equipping these students with knowledge, we aim to transform them from being liabilities into responsible citizens,” she stated.
Umar expressed her joy in assisting the community, noting that the foundation’s efforts extend beyond educational support.
The president said that MDRF has also organized medical outreach programs, provided food items to widows, offered free writing materials to local schools and supported indigent children by covering their tuition and related expenses.
The Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics at the NDLEA, Mr. Saddam Solomon, praised the NGO’s efforts and stressed the agency’s ongoing enlightenment campaigns in schools to discourage drug experimentation.
He shared poignant stories of how drug abuse has devastated lives and families, urging parents to monitor their children’s friendships and activities.
Mallam Murtala Zubairu, Director of Social Development for Suleja Local Government, commended the MDRF for its commitment to addressing drug addiction and abuse. He cautioned youth against drug use, emphasizing the lasting consequences it can have on their futures.
Students that attended the seminar expressed gratitude for the resources provided and urged their peers to seek help for any issues they face rather than resorting to self-medication, which can lead to addiction.
Our correspondent gathered that this collaborative effort marks a crucial step towards fostering a drug-free generation in Suleja, empowering youth with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
