By Lawrence Bilal Audu
The Grace Thomas Foundation, in collaboration with the Christopher Oghogho Foundation, has launched the Women and Family Drug Education Program (WOFADEP) to tackle the growing issue of drug abuse in Nigeria. The program, themed “The Role of Family in Drug Abuse Prevention,” aims to empower families to prevent drug use and provide support to those affected by drug abuse.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Rejoice Wesley, founder of the Grace Thomas Foundation, emphasized the importance of family in preventing drug abuse. “Drug use is a universal problem that affects families from all walks of life. By educating and empowering families, we can create a supportive environment that prevents drug use and promotes recovery,” she said.
“Our mission at the Grace Thomas Foundation is to transform the lives of women and youth facing mental health and drug abuse challenges. We are committed to providing comprehensive support through counseling, rehabilitation, mentorship, and skills training. By fostering positive mental health, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and empowering individuals through economic opportunities, we aim to eradicate poverty and reintegrate them into society as self-reliant and productive members.”
“At the Grace Thomas Foundation, we recognize that drug use is a universal problem that affects families from all walks of life. When drug use is discovered within a family, it often leads to considerable stress, conflicts, and a pervasive sense of helplessness. The associated shame can cause both the family and the individual using drugs to deny the problem, further complicating the path to recovery and support.”
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“The Women and Family Drug Education Program (WOFADEP) has been organized to tackle the problem of drug abuse from a family perspective, emphasizing the crucial role that families can play in preventing drug use. The program’s objectives are to raise awareness about the dangers and repercussions of drug and substance abuse among young people, stimulate discussions on prevention strategies, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of effective policies in Nigeria.”
“The program will bring together 200 families, along with key stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The aim is to assess the ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse, share best practices from around the world, and develop a unified approach to tackling this issue.”
Mrs. Celina Onogwu, a member of the Christopher Oghogho Foundation, expressed her organization’s full support for the Grace Thomas Foundation’s program on drug abuse prevention.
Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the event, she emphasized the importance of addressing drug abuse, particularly among women, as it affects families negatively.
Mrs. Onogwu anticipates that the program’s outcomes will be taken to the government to collaborate and drive the effort to curb drug abuse in Nigeria.
She acknowledged the need to reach rural areas, where drug abuse is also prevalent, and expressed the intention to take the message to these areas.
In her remarks, Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Precious Obiageli of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, the family is the foundation of society, and any issues within the family can have far-reaching effects. Therefore, it’s crucial to address drug abuse within the family unit, teaching coping strategies and effective communication skills. Love and support are essential in preventing drug abuse, and families must be aware of the dangers of drug abuse and how to address them.
She noted that, NDLEA is partnering with community leaders and families to reach the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas where drug abuse is prevalent. “They work with NGOs to conduct awareness programs and educate communities about the dangers of drug abuse.
NDLEA she said, has a presence in almost every community in Nigeria, with commands in states, zones, and areas, making it possible to reach remote areas.
“To combat drug abuse effectively, it’s essential to start at the family level. Parents must be aware of the signs of drug abuse and know how to address them. NDLEA provides awareness and support to families, and NGOs play a crucial role in reaching the grassroots level. By working together, we can prevent drug abuse and promote healthier families and communities.”
The Grace Thomas Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of women and youth facing mental health and drug abuse challenges through counseling, rehabilitation, mentorship, and skills training. With the launch of WOFADEP, the foundation hopes to make a significant impact on drug abuse prevention and promote healthier family environments.
