In a significant stride towards combating drug abuse among children, The Eye Opener Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club’s Innovation’s Founder, Mrs Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, has led a pioneering drug prevention initiative at the Nana Berry Orphanage in Ado, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
The event, titled “The Eye Opener Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club’s Innovation: 80 Poems for Prevention Professional for Child and Youth Awareness,” took place as part of activities marking Global Drug Day.
The aim, according to Mrs Margaret was to educate and engage less privileged children on the dangers of drug abuse and smoking.
The Abstinence Club, designed to enlighten children and foster a drug-free lifestyle, was inaugurated during the event.
Additionally, the “80 Poems for Prevention Professionals for Child and Youth Awareness” was launched.
During her briefing, Margaret Kwa’ada Julius emphasized the importance of early drug prevention education and the role of creative tools in making a lasting impact on young minds.
The highlight of the day was the recitation of poems by children from various educational levels, which reinforced the anti-drug message.
The poems, in line with the 2024 theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” captivated the audience and underscored the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The initiative received enthusiastic feedback from both the children and the orphanage management.
The orphanage management expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Margaret for her innovative approach, recognizing the potential of the poems to maintain children’s awareness about their health and mental well-being.
Mrs. Bilinda Joseph, the head teacher, praised Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, the “WHO No Tobacco 2021 to 2024 Award winner in Africa region,” for her outstanding efforts and pledged to include drug prevention programs in the school calendar.
Participant Annabel Akushi appreciated the uniqueness of the programme, highlighting its potential to enhance children’s mental health protection.
Mrs. Amina Zubairu, a teacher at the orphanage, expressed satisfaction with the initiative and promised to integrate the poems into their educational activities.
