Founder of TheInfoNG & NAFDAC corps members association (NACOMA) visit schools in Abuja for sensitisation

REPORT ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT KARU AND NYANYA, ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL BY NAFDAC CORPS MEMBERS ASSOCIATION (NACOMA)

The NAFDAC Corps Members’ Association (NACOMA) as part of her contribution to NAFDAC in safeguarding the health of the nation embarked on a sensitization campaign in the secodary schools; Government Secondary Schools Nyanya and Karu.

The programme tagged “SAVE A CHILD” was held on the 15^th of March 2016 at both halls of the two schools, between the hours of 8:00 and 3:35pm.

At the heart of the matter, the focal thrust of the programme was to educate secondary school students and teachers alike and all others present on the dangers of drug abuse, as it affects the youth.

The programme was made colourful as all Corps Members wore crested T-shirts of NAFDAC. This would not have been possible without the backing and support from the management of NAFDAC. Our very special thanks to the Ag. Director-general of NAFDAC in Person of Mrs Yetunde Oni for coming through for us.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The campaign was put together to;

· Enlighten the secondary school pupils on the dangers of drug abuse

· Promote NAFDAC’s activity

· Provide secondary school pupils with the knowledge required to shun drug and its abuse

· To provide the students opportunity to learn about NAFDAC and her fight against drug abuse

ATTENDANCE

In attendance were,

· The Ag. Director-general of NAFDAC represented by PRO (Special Duties, NAFDAC).

· The key management staff of Government Secondary Schools at Karu and Nyanya.

· A good number of Corps Members.

INTRODUCTION OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE AG. DIRECTOR GENERAL

The President of NACOMA, Adesoye Adebanjo greeted the audience and thanked them for turning out en masse for the sensitization programme. He further introduced Shifau Bello (Special Duties) as the representative of the acting Director-general, Mrs Oluremi Yetunde Oni to give the opening remark.

OPENING REMARKS

The representative of Ag. DG (NAFDAC), Shifau Bello in her opening remark expressed appreciation to the leadership of the management of the schools. She stressed that the Ag. DG (NAFDAC) is indeed very happy for the opportunity granted for the Corps Members to carry out the sensitization programme in their respective schools.

The principals and the representatives of both schools also commended the effort of NAFDAC and its Corps members as regards the magnificent and laudable project of reducing drug abuse amongst young ones.

PRESENTATIONS

The presentations were done by representatives from the Directorate of PV/PMS. It centred on;

· What drug was,

· What drug abuse and misuse were,

· The dangers inherent and

· How to stop drug abuse.

QUIZZES FOR STUDENTS, AS REGARDS QUESTIONS FROM TOPICS TREATED

The students were then asked some questions about the topic and what they learnt and they won prizes. This motivated them to be more engaged, and involved. The students were also given the opportunity to ask all the questions that bothered them and the questions were answered accordingly.

MEDIA COVERAGE

We believe that the message of NAFDAC we conveyed should not be limited to the people and students of Government Secondary Schools, Karu and Nyanya but to all the good people of Nigeria. As a result, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was invited to cover the event.

The programme was aired on NTA channel 5 on Wednesday, the 16^th of March by 1pm and Thursday, the 17^th of March at 7pm (NTA Network news).

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

Gift items in form of stationery, books, NACOMA customized wall clock, NAFDAC crested T-shirts, 5 packs of biscuits, mathematical sets and media items (fliers and banners against drug abuse) were presented by NACOMA to the schools and the items were distributed between the two schools as NAFDAC’s way of contributing to education.

REMARKS

The sensitization programme was a huge success as the Heads of all the schools were present and gave their immense appreciation. The teachers were also pleased and excited to be part of the programme.