Ogun Health Commissioner, Dr. Tomi Coker Issues Stern Warning to Students on Drug Abuse

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker has issued stern warning to students over rampant use of illicit drugs.

She gave the warning during a seminar to commemorate the 2022 World Health Day held at Chrisland University, Abeokuta in conjunction with a non-governmental organization, Knowledge Against Drug Abuse (KODA).

While speaking on the theme “Drug Abuse and Academic Performance: the Myths and Facts”, Dr. Coker who was ably represented by Pharmacist Olalekan Olarinde noted that the fight against drug abuse is not an easy task especially in this era where drug abuse is fast becoming a global pandemic, with youths being vulnerable.

According to her, the Ogun State government through the activities of the State Drug Control Committee has focused its drug abuse sensitization and enlightenment campaign among younger generation as a major thrust.

She lauded Chrisland University for partnering with the Commitee in propagating campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria, vowing that the Committee will not rest on its oars to take campaign against drug abuse to universities in the state.

The Commissioner further explained that the theme of the 2022 World Health Day was adopted to correct the impression of many students that the use of drugs while in school would help boost the retention of knowledge for academic excellence.

She urged students to stick to the habit of immediate revision of lecture notes as it is been taught to avoid piling up unread notes prior to examination, involve in moderate exercise and a balanced diet, adding that these tips would enhance brain function, improve academic performance, and ultimately improving suitability for employment and personal growth.

In his remark, Dr. Femi Onifade of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hopsital, Aro, Abeokuta, highlighted vertebral cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the colon and rectum, academic setbacks, involvement in criminal acts and gangstersim, risks of mental illness, and reduction of work output, as the harmful effects of substance abuse.

He added that the key motivators to abuse substance include cultural factors, peer influence, psychological factors, biological factors, hostile relationship, among others. 

Dr. Onifade lauded Chrisland University for the inclusion of enlightenment of drug abuse in her curriculum.

Other speakers including Mr. Anthony Ogbebor from Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hopsital, Aro, Abeokuta, and Mrs. Eucharia Ekwu from National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, opined that Nigeria needs to re-intensify war against drug abuse, and operate with international community on eradication of drug abuse. 

In his closing remarks, the Registrar, Chrisland University, Mr. Samuel Omotoso, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Chinedum Peace Babalola, FAS, Management, Staff and Students, appreciated the Ogun State government, the organizer of the seminar, invited guests from Ogun State Ministry of Health, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hopsital, Aro, Abeokuta, and the officers of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency for their efforts in spreading the word regarding the dangers of drugs to oneself an d the society.

The seminar ended with group photographs and presentation of awards to guest speakers, and host institution.