NUJ FCTA CHAPEL, NDLEA LEAD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DRUG ABUSE, BULLYING

By: Prudence Okonna

The message was loud and clear to students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to say no to drugs, reject bullying, and choose a brighter path.

The workshop organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists FCTA, Chapel brought together journalists, educators, law enforcement, and health experts, who warned that drug abuse and bullying are twin evils that not only derail education but also leave deep, irreversible scars on victims, families, and communities.

The workshop, themed “Enhancing Public Awareness Advocacy on the Negative Impact of Drug Abuse and Bullying in Schools,” was held at the FCDA Conference Hall, on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

In his remarks, the Director of Information and Communication, Anthony Ogunleye, charged students to steer clear of drugs, emphasizing the long-term negative effects on the user. He stressed that once a person ventures into the destructive path of drug use, breaking free becomes extremely difficult.

“Young people are highly impressionable. Facilitators must not sugarcoat the realities of drug abuse but expose its dangers clearly so students can fully understand the consequences,” he cautioned.

Ogunleye further commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCTA Chapel for bringing the initiative to FCT students and called for more collaborations to amplify the message.

He revealed that the FCT Minister remains committed to ensuring education in the territory meets global standards and disclosed that over 90 schools are already benefiting from the renovation drive across the length and breadth of the territory.

The Director urged students to stay disciplined, avoid bullying, and use communication as tools for positive change by speaking when necessary.

In her address, the FCT NUJ Chairman, Grace Ike, described drug abuse as a menace capable of destroying the very fabric of schools and society. She explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with knowledge and strategies to combat drug use among young people, while also amplifying advocacy for policy reforms that will entrench zero tolerance for drugs in schools.

“We must strive to empower our schools so that every child can learn and grow in a safe environment. This requires not just words but action. Let us do less talking and more action,” she charged.

Ike also commended the NUJ’s partnership with the NDLEA, calling for the establishment of more press clubs in schools across the FCT to give students a platform to speak out and champion positive values.

While welcoming participants, the NUJ FCT Chairman of the FCTA Chapel, Ngozi Ufomba, emphasized that drug abuse and bullying pose severe threats to students’ health, safety, academics, and future.

She called on the media, stakeholders, and parents to intensify awareness, advocate stronger policies, and commit to promoting safe, zero-tolerance school environments.

Ufomba explained that the workshop aims to equip the students and educators with the necessary knowledge and strategies to tackle the menace headlong.

In her words: “This workshop aims to equip us with the knowledge, strategies, and collaborative spirit necessary to confront these problems head-on. By enhancing advocacy efforts, we can influence policy change, engage parents, teachers, and students alike, and promote a culture of zero tolerance towards drug abuse and bullying. We must work tirelessly to empower our schools as safe havens where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive without fear or harm”.

Abuja Digest reports that Students from different schools across the FCT, including Government Secondary School (GSS) Area 11, attended the workshop, and as part of the exercise, the NDLEA conducted a live demonstration showcasing various forms of drugs to educate students on their appearance and harmful effects, reinforcing the dangers of substance abuse.

The workshop, organized by the NUJ FCTA Chapel in collaboration with the NDLEA and other stakeholders, underscored the importance of collective action in safeguarding the future of children through advocacy, awareness, and community partnership.