By Erewunmi Peace

Stakeholders in Osun State have intensified efforts to curb drug abuse among students, as experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) joined forces to promote drug-free schools through advocacy and mental health awareness.

The collaborative initiative, captured in a recent report by Insight Links TV, brought together education experts, civil society groups, and NDLEA representatives who called for the establishment of mental health clubs, peer mentoring programs, and stronger advocacy structures in schools across the state.

Speaking at the event in Osogbo, participants emphasized that drug abuse among young people continues to pose a major challenge to education and community development. They urged teachers, parents, and policymakers to integrate mental health education into school activities as part of long-term prevention strategies.

A representative of the NDLEA Osun Command noted that the agency remains committed to strengthening school outreach programs and collaborating with local partners to reduce substance use among students. He stressed that prevention through education is more effective than rehabilitation after addiction.

According to organizers, the program aims to build emotional resilience among students, create open discussions on mental well-being, and encourage peer-to-peer support systems in secondary and tertiary institutions across Osun.

The stakeholders jointly appealed to the Osun State Ministry of Education to adopt policies that promote mental health clubs and continuous sensitization on drug abuse prevention in schools.

The initiative is part of broader national efforts by the NDLEA and community-based organizations to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy, productive lifestyles among Nigerian youth.