Leveraging the power of dialogue, the Lagos State Youth Parliament orchestrated a spirited debate competition among public and private schools in Lagos Mainland, aiming to raise awareness and foster solutions to the pervasive issue of drug abuse within the community.

The fifth Assembly under the Lagos Mainland Local Government brought together education off icers,educators, teachers and students across the community at the Ojoniyun youth complex.

The programme focused on the theme: Drug Abuse: A personal struggle or a community concern. During the program, many dignitaries including Hon Tajudeen, the Education Secretary for Lagos Mainland District 4, Ambassador Teslim, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Highland Coordinator, Mr Omolaja Kazeem, Supervisor for Education Lagos Mainland, Mrs Oke, HOS Social Mobilisation, LGEA, and many other important dignitaries.

According to the convener: The essence of the event Is to Sensitize the public on drug abuse, especially students and young ones within the Lagos mainland community.

“It’s both a personal concern and as well community concern,” he said.

During the program, Mr Tajudeen defined drug abuse anditsitss effects. He dwelled more on how peer influence is a big part of drug abuse, especially for children from low-income backgrounds. He also said that your background shouldn’t determine how you turn out in life. He rounded up by telling them about the importance of hard work

Ambassador Teslim on the other hand talked about the after-effects of drug abuse. He described drug abuse as an atom which damages quickly. He also advised the students to define their vision and mission early in life.

The Debate program began with students from Ayeroro Grammar School, Apex Intellectual Victory College, Seylek School, Setop Schools, Maryrose School opposing and supporting the motion on the topic: “Drug Abuse: Personal Concern or Community Concern”. After a rigorous debate, Nawarudeen Secondary School came first.

Olasupo Jubril, majority leader of the Lagos state youth parliament balanced the topic by explaining that drug abuse is both a personal duty as well as a community duty.