Guest speakers at the formal inauguration of Solace Foundation on Substance Abuse and Mental Health Advocacy Group (SSAMHAG) held on Wednesday in Abeokuta have commended the Olowu of Olowu, Oba Professor Saka Matemilola for showing interest in the menace of substance abuse which they identified as a pre-cursor for vices and mortality in the society.
The Deputy State Commander of NDLEA in Ogun State, Mrs Eucharia Ekwu, who described the initiative as first of its kind urged parents and elders to be vigilant and regularly organise drug awareness programmes to sensitize citizens to new ways of drug abuse being designed by devious creative abusers.
More worrisome according to her is the new discovery of children less than ten years abusing drugs.
Also speaking, the Provost and Medical Director, Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Dr. Paul Agboola, urged citizens to support the monarch to birth progressive developments and tackle mental disorders.
He said ” globally, people experiencing mental illness are reluctant to seek help because of stigma associated with it” adding that World Health Organisation (WHO) observed that one in every four women had mental illness while over 10.6million Nigerians abuse drugs. Accordingly, 4.6million people abuse opium and 2.4million
adults abuse cough syrup.
He said NPH had trained volunteer counsellors to attend to victims.
In his presentation, the Coordinator of Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry, CADAM- a faith based organisation with Pastor Testimony Aloba observed that every family had at least one drug addict and called for intensive actions to curb the fast spreading menace.
The Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Comrade Okeleye Olarotimi pledged the support of the Ministry in spreading the message that drug is not an escape but a trap in schools.
Speaking on behalf of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Alhaja Raliat Adenekan condemned self medication and use of drugs without doctors prescription.
She condemned the rampant use of drugs especially the miniature alcohol popularly called ” feyin ja” causing kidney and renal disorders.
A muslim cleric, Alhaji Sulaimon Kehinde, condemned the rampant use of drugs in the society especially amongst meat sellers, mechanics, vulcanisers and other artisans adding that citizens should stop condoning vices.
He urged parents and guardians to set good examples for their children and wards.
Speaking on behalf of all Coordinators of Owu Comunities, the Alakoso of Owu Totoro, Chief Adebayo Adeyemi promised to monitor drug use in their communities to improve peace and security of lives and property.
Chief Adeyemi, further lauded Oba Matemilola for promoting good living through the Scholarship and Empowerment schemes and borehole drilling in Owu communities.
Rounding off the presentation, the Coordinator, Olori Ameenat Adeleye Matemilola showed videos of the debilitating effects of drugs and urged citizens in need of counselling to wait to see professional counsellors at the Palace.
Solace Foundation, a
non-governmental organisation established to help citizens prevent, treat and rehabilitate substance and mental abuse was officially launched in Abeokuta with arrays of notable personalities in attendance
The Group, known as Solace Foundation is populated by concerned patriots drawn from
psychiatric hospitals, NGOs and communities as well as professionals from all walks of life.
These bodies, through advocacy and support, have come together to address the issues around substance abuse which leads to mental health disorders and other social malaise in the society.
