Substance abuse and cultism among teenagers pose significant dangers that cannot be overlooked. Recognizing this, our organization collaborated with the Ndlea Ekiti State Command (NDLEA) to conduct a sensitization program for over 154 boys at Ado Grammar School in Ado-Ekiti. Our aim was to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and cultism, utilizing storytelling techniques to engage the students.

During the session, the NDLEA representative provided valuable insights on the different types of drugs, their effects, and shared real-life stories of young people who have been caught with drugs. Reverend Matthew Akinjide Daniel, the Global coordinator, Flaming Sword Global Ministries also shared his personal experience with cultism during his time in university. He emphasized the importance of the company one keeps and how it can influence one’s character. He mentioned “All bad things happens under the cover of darkness. The company you keep will influence your character.”

Following the presentations, Reverend Matthew prayed with the students and provided individual counseling sessions for students who were interested. Ayodele Temitope Kehinde anchored the program, the resource persons answered questions from the students and teachers, addressing topics such as how to help someone addicted to drugs, how to identify cultists, how to disassociate oneself from cultism, and the consequences of peer influence when parental communication is lacking. The resource persons present utilized their expertise and personal experiences to provide comprehensive answers to these inquiries.

The impact of this outreach was significant, and the school vice principal expressed appreciation for our organization’s efforts. In fact, they requested that we return at least three more times to conduct similar sensitization programs, extending the reach to the entire school population, as they recognized the pressing need for such interventions.

Through our ongoing drug prevention program, we strive to prevent teenagers from engaging in substance abuse and cultism. Additionally, we employ an intervention approach to support those who are already involved in these harmful behaviors.

We are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals, guided by the belief that with God’s help, we can bring about positive change.

16th February 2024