Arogi Trauma Care Foundation Partners With UNILAG: Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Gender Based Violence
Arogi Trauma Care Foundation in partnership with the Students Affairs Division, Counselling Unit of the University of Lagos, Akoka participated in a Campaign against drug abuse, gender based violence and domestic violence. The outreach programme which was targeted towards the students of the great institution took place on the 13th and 14th June, 2024 on the main campus where team members of the Students Affairs Division, Counselling Unit, Arogi Foundation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Students Mental Health Advocate (SMA), Anti Aids Club, United Health Care Int’l HMO, The Nigeria Red Cross and the Man O’ War addressed the students in all hostels on the campus.
The two day event which was packed and loaded featured great and influential speakers of each unit who addressed major challenges faced by students on a daily basis.
Speaking during the out reach, the Deputy Commander on Narcotics, NDLEA, Mrs Violet Daniel addressed the students to stay away from anything that is drug related. According her, one out of every five Nigerians have drug related issues while two out of every five drug users are ladies.
“I have my future ministers, governors, ambassadors and Presidents here so don’t spoil your beautiful future taking drugs. Don’t destroy your life and academics, I want to see you tomorrow as a Governor”, the NDLEA Deputy Commander admonished.
Another key note speaker at the event was Mr Adedeji Odusanya accompanied by Mr Taiwo Adeleke and Mrs Grace Balogun of the Arogi Trauma Care Foundation, a Non for Profit Organisation that offers free mental health services.
Mr Adedeji while counselling the students explained the dangers of drug addiction and substance abuse. According to him, “drug abuse will affect your brain negatively. Using substances will affect your academics. If your mental health is not okay, it will affect your relationship and academics which will lead to career and relationship tragedy which will further lead to stagnancy and further lead to suicide”.
Speaking in the same vein, Mr Taiwo Adeleke encouraged anyone struggling with keeping a healthy mental state, battling depression, exam anxiety, academic challenges, to reach out to the Foundation.
Mrs Grace Balogun explained to the students about the importance of a stable mental health. In her own words, “Mental Health is your fundamental human right and the ability to manage your health positively is very important. Mental illness is like carrying a heavy back pack but it differs amongst us, some carry heavy ones while some carry light ones. This could include suicidal thoughts, depression, hopelessness, irritability and anger issues”.
Other key note speakers that addressed the Students were; the President Student Mental Health Advocate, Samuel Badekale, President Anti-Aids Club, Emmanuel Adedoyin, United Health Care Int’l Health Care Provider (HMO), Mrs Olufunmilola Olaleye, Member of the Nigerian Red Cross, Oluchi and the Regiment Sgt Major, Man O’ War, Ogundiran Damilare.
The moderator during the outreach programme was Mr Omotola, Unilag Couselling Unit while the Chief Coordinator was Mrs. Aregbesola
The outreach programme was powered by Prof.Obalola, Dean Of Student Affairs, University of Lagos
The sensitization exercise which was carried out from hostel to hostel received huge impact and reception as students were encouraged to speak out when battling mental health challenges, drugs and substance abuse, rape, gender based violence and cultism.
Frederick Abiola-Cudjoe
Frederick Abiola Cudjoe is a blogger, content creator who is in service to Arogi Trauma Care Foundation. He is solution driven and result oriented. He has a strong passion to always make clients have the best customer service experience.
