ANTI-DRUG CRUSADER SOUNDS ALARM FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

By Kayode Adeyemo/LAGOS//A stark and urgent call echoed through the celebration of artistic achievements amidst the glitz and glamour of the Gbedu Awards Gala at the Austina Continental Hotel in Igando, Lagos.

Olayiwola Ibrahim, Founder, Anti-Drug Impact Foundation (ADIF), seized the event, organized by Gbedu Award Organizers and hosted by Mc Moris, to address a pressing societal concern: the escalating issue of drug abuse.

Ibrahim swiftly redirected attention to a more profound challenge — the pervasive threat of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, as the spotlight shone on the contributions of artists like Tony Tetula, Skylie Mental, and Ghanaian sensation Joyce Walters (Wajoo).

Accepting the Support for Youths and Humanity Services award on behalf of the foundation, Ibrahim stressed the dire need for celebrities to wield their influence in the fight against drug abuse; urging for a united front.

He further called on artists to utilize their social media platforms and stage performances as powerful tools for raising awareness about the devastating impact of substance abuse on society.

In a passionate plea, Ibrahim underscored the urgency of enhancing public understanding of the root causes and consequences of drug abuse.

He cautioned against stigmatizing individuals grappling with addiction, emphasizing the crucial role of parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, and community figures in actively monitoring, nurturing, and educating the youth about the dangers of drug abuse.

Tony Tetula echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing the pressing need to address drug abuse as a compelling educational topic.

Faced with an alarming number of youths ensnared in addiction and trafficking, Tetula called upon both the Federal and the Lagos State Governments to integrate the effects of drug abuse into the education syllabus.

He viewed this as a pivotal step toward cultivating a society free from the clutches of substance abuse.

Both Ibrahim and Tetula noted that the Gbedu Awards Gala is beyond its celebration of artistic excellence, but one that has emerged as a poignant platform for shedding light on urgent societal issues; focusing on collective responsibility and the crucial role of influential figures in combating the pervasive challenge of drug abuse highlighted the event’s broader impact on social advocacy.

The message is clear, the time for action against drug abuse is now, and it requires the collective effort of society, celebrities, and government bodies alike, Ibrahim stressed.