FISU YOUTH PROGRAMME: SPEAKERS WARN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, URGE STUDENTS TO EMBRACE SKILLS AND RESPONSIBLE LIVING

Students and young people in Igboora have been urged to shun drug abuse, resist negative peer pressure, acquire productive skills, and embrace responsible decision-making as the Federation of Igboora Students’ Union (FISU) held its Youth Skills Acquisition and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The programme, organised by the Office of the FISU National Vice President, Idris Sofiat Omotolani, under the leadership of the union’s President, Akadri Quyyum Adewale, was held at the Igboora Community Town Hall, Igboora, with the theme, “Building Skills, Creating Opportunities and Making Healthy Choices for a Better Future.”

The initiative brought together speakers and community stakeholders who emphasised the importance of self-confidence, financial discipline, entrepreneurship, and drug abuse prevention in shaping a better future for young people.

In her session titled “The Priceless Girl: Confidence, Financial Discipline and the Power of Responsible Choices,” Mrs. Sikirullahi Simisola encouraged young girls to recognise their self-worth, build confidence, and avoid comparing themselves with others.

She emphasised that girls should understand their value beyond physical appearance and develop the confidence to make decisions that protect their future.

Simisola also highlighted the importance of financial discipline, advising young girls to distinguish between needs and wants, manage the little money available to them, and avoid risky relationships or unhealthy dependence on boys and men because of financial pressure.

She further encouraged them to resist negative peer pressure, maintain healthy relationships, and learn to say no to choices that could jeopardise their future.

The second speaker, Mr. Arowosegbe Peter Dipo, in his presentation titled “Beyond Certificates: Skills, Entrepreneurship and Legitimate Paths to Success,” urged students to look beyond academic certificates by developing practical, vocational, and digital skills.

He stressed that young people should begin identifying opportunities they can explore while still in school, including technology, creative arts, agriculture, and other vocational activities that may require little or no starting capital.

Arowosegbe also warned against the get-rich-quick mentality, cautioning students against internet fraud, gambling, and other illegitimate means of making money.

He encouraged them to pursue success through hard work, consistency, and integrity, noting that developing useful skills and embracing legitimate opportunities could help them achieve financial independence and build sustainable livelihoods.

The NDLEA speaker addressed the dangers of drug abuse and substance misuse, highlighting their consequences for students’ health, education, relationships, and future opportunities.

During a contribution from Mr. Tunde Obagade, students were reminded that taking hard drugs was not a demonstration of courage or masculinity.

“You don’t need to take hard drugs to prove you are a hard man,” he told the students.

Obagade warned that hard drugs were damaging lives and causing some young people to appear older than their actual age, while jeopardising their future prospects.

He also recalled the familiar warning that smokers are liable to die young, stressing that young people must not ignore the dangers of smoking and other harmful substances.

His central message to the students was that genuine strength lies in resisting pressure to use drugs and making choices that protect their health and future.

The NDLEA session, titled “Say No Before It Starts: Understanding Drugs, Consequences and Making Healthy Choices,” also focused on recognising drug abuse, understanding its academic, health, psychological, and legal consequences, and learning how to resist peer pressure and seek help when necessary.

The traditional ruler, Oba Olusanjo Ojo, Baba Aso Iberekodo of Igbole Igboora, who was represented at the programme by the Chief Jagun of Iberekodo, commended the organisers for putting together what he described as an educative and life-changing initiative.

He stressed the need for community members to take drug abuse seriously, observing that people often know individuals involved in drug abuse but remain silent instead of taking appropriate action.

His remarks underscored the importance of collective responsibility in confronting substance misuse and protecting young people from its harmful consequences.

He also emphasised the need for communities to move beyond awareness and support efforts that discourage drug abuse among young people.

Alhaji Abdul Kareem, the Father of the Occasion, also advised young people to shun drug abuse and avoid behaviours that could endanger their health and undermine their future.

His message reinforced the speakers’ call for students to embrace discipline, make responsible decisions, and associate with people who encourage positive growth and development.