Health

NDDC Takes the Lead in Combating Drug Abuse in Calabar Schools

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2025

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a bold step in combating substance abuse among youths by launching a statewide awareness campaign in selected secondary schools across Calabar, Cross River State.

The initiative, held at the West African People Institute (WAPI), was executed in collaboration with Devongnosis Education Limited and key stakeholders, including government agencies, security bodies, and educational institutions. Its primary goal is to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse, empower them to make informed decisions, and establish student ambassadors to champion the cause

Declaring the event open, Dr. Eme Inyangabia, Assistant Director at NDDC, expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse among secondary school students. She reaffirmed the commission’s unwavering commitment to tackling the issue with renewed vigor.

Similarly, Nnadi Roseline Ada, Deputy Commander of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Cross River State Command, linked substance abuse to increasing mental health issues and academic decline. She warned that the future of young Nigerians is at significant risk if urgent measures are not taken to curb the menace.

One of the most powerful moments of the event was a firsthand account from a former drug addict who shared his nine-year battle with substance abuse and his journey to recovery. Speaking anonymously, he urged students to stay away from drugs, emphasizing that not everyone gets a second chance at recovery.

Stakeholders at the event called for the campaign to be expanded to more schools beyond Calabar. They advocated for continuous engagement through mentorship programs, peer education, and increased parental involvement. Additionally, they stressed the importance of strengthening rehabilitation and counseling services to support affected students.

This initiative underscores NDDC’s commitment to building a healthier and drug-free future for Nigerian youths, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and resources to make positive life choices.

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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