NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF NCWS ATTENDS OCTV INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION & STAKEHOLDERS SENSITIZATION ON DRUG ABUSE

The National President of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna DD Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), graced the OCTV Inter-School Competition and Stakeholders Sensitization on Drug Abuse, organized by Our Community TV (OCTV) in collaboration with partners including AGTV, Arewa Reporters, NCWS, Kafanty, and Epitome Universe. She was accompanied by a National Officer and other members of the NCWS national executive, demonstrating the Council’s continued commitment to the protection, education, and moral development of Nigerian children.

The event combined an inter-school academic competition with a critical sensitization session on drug abuse, bringing together pupils, educators, media organizations, civil society groups, and security agencies. The initiative created an engaging platform that encouraged intellectual excellence among students while addressing the growing concern of substance abuse among young people. Through this dual approach, the program reinforced both academic development and social awareness in a child-centered environment.

A key highlight of the event was the active participation of officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who delivered comprehensive and age-appropriate sensitization on the dangers of drug abuse. The officers educated pupils on how substance abuse often begins, emphasizing the harmful effects of drugs such as cocaine, heroin, tramadol, and even commonly misused household substances. They explained the consequences, including damage to brain function, poor academic performance, increased risk of mental health challenges, and exposure to violence. The pupils were also taught practical ways to resist peer pressure and encouraged to report any suspicious individuals attempting to introduce them to drugs.

In her address, Princess Edna DD Azura spoke passionately as both a national leader and a maternal figure, emphasizing that the future of Nigeria rests on the discipline and education of its young population. She highlighted that drug abuse is a direct threat to the realization of children’s dreams and aspirations, noting that no child engaged in substance abuse can grow into a responsible or impactful leader. She urged the pupils to completely avoid drugs, remain focused on their education, and understand that knowledge and discipline are key to securing a successful future. She further reiterated the role of NCWS as a leading advocate for the welfare and education of every Nigerian child, describing her presence as that of a “mother of the nation” committed to guiding children toward a better path.

Adopting a relatable and child-friendly approach, the NCWS National President used simple analogies to drive home her message, describing drugs as hidden poison that can gradually destroy lives. She cautioned the pupils against accepting unknown substances from peers or even familiar individuals and encouraged them to serve as advocates against drug abuse within their homes and schools. She stressed that education remains a powerful tool for protection, enabling children to make informed decisions and resist negative influences.

The event concluded with strong commitments from all stakeholders to sustain the momentum of the sensitization campaign. OCTV pledged continued media advocacy through repeated broadcasts, while NCWS assured ongoing engagement with schools through its state chapters. The NDLEA supported the initiative by distributing educational materials tailored for young audiences. The inter-school competition segment also recognized and rewarded students who demonstrated a clear understanding of the dangers of drug abuse, reinforcing the importance of knowledge as a preventive tool.

In her closing remark, Princess Edna DD Azura commended the pupils for their participation and encouraged them to remain steadfast in rejecting drug use, reaffirming that the NCWS will continue to champion initiatives that safeguard the future of Nigerian children. The event overall achieved its objective of combining education, advocacy, and community engagement to address the critical issue of drug abuse among the youth.

Princess Edna D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku),
National President,
National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria.