EXCLUSIVE:War Against  Hard Drugs : Seminar  Rallies Stakeholders, Youths At SEME  Border

EXCLUSIVE:War Against  Hard Drugs : Seminar  Rallies Stakeholders, Youths At SEME  Border
……..drug abuse , a major threat to lives, health, future of many young Nigerians- NDLEA

Group photograph of organisers and Participants at the One Day Seminar on War against Hard Drugs,on 15 , November,2025.,at SEME Border 

By Frank Odinukaeze

A one-day seminar on “War Against Hard Drugs” inspired by the book War Against Indiscipline: A Practical Guide for Developing Self-Discipline written by Baba Emmanuel Solomon, Founder and President of the Non Governmental Organisation ( NGO) ,Education for Greatness Foundation (EGF) , was held at Seme Border penultimate Saturday drawing stakeholders, youths, and security agencies into a united front against rising cases of drug abuse.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Christian Fellowship (NCCF), Seme Border, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Command, featured a presentation on the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by NDLEA officers led by Assistant Commandant of Narcotics, Robinson Panyan.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Baba Solomon, convener of the seminar and author of the book that inspired the programme, was commended for his commitment to youth development and national discipline. Speakers emphasized that drug abuse has become a major threat to the lives, health, and future of many young Nigerians.
During his keynote presentation, ACN Robinson Panyan highlighted the alarming rate at which dangerous substances are being abused. He listed commonly misused drugs such as tramadol, cannabis, Colorado (colos), loud, shisha, codeine, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), ecstasy, alcohol, tobacco, and crack.
He warned that the misuse of these substances leads to devastating health and social consequences. According to him, “wrong use of tramadol can result in tramadol use disorder, physical withdrawal symptoms, and compulsive behaviour,” while codeine abuse is linked to liver damage, stomach ulcers, respiratory depression, coma, and possible death.
Panyan further outlined the general effects of drug abuse, which include severe weight loss, seizures, depression, organ failure, lung disease, mental confusion, brain damage, stroke, and in many cases, death. He stressed that drug abuse destroys not only the individual but also families, communities, and national productivity.
Addressing possible solutions, he emphasized that treatment is available for those ready to seek help. Effective intervention, he explained, often includes medications, behavioral counseling, group therapy, and additional support services such as vocational training and mental-health care. He encouraged individuals battling substance-use disorders to “cut off relationships that promote drug culture and avoid environments where drugs are sold or used.”
The NDLEA team urged anyone struggling with addiction to reach out to the NDLEA Counseling Unit for free, confidential assistance, emphasizing that early intervention saves lives.
Participants praised the seminar as timely and impactful, calling for its replication in schools, churches, border communities, and other youth-dominated environments.

In his remarks, Officer Usang Mbang,who represented the Nigeria Customs Christian Fellowship,explained that genuine love — described as sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional — remains one of the strongest forces capable of transforming individuals battling addiction. Drawing from Christian teachings, he cited John 3:16 as the ultimate example of God’s sacrificial love expressed through the death of Jesus Christ for humanity.
He stated that this same spirit of compassion should guide how society responds to those struggling with addiction.
“In our generation today, drugs and substance abuse are on the increase. However, the way out is through the power of God — by showing love, care, counselling, educating, praying, and providing medical treatment to drug addicts,” he said.
Officer Mbang identified drug addiction as a major threat to communities, society, and the entire human race, stressing the collective responsibility to support affected individuals.
“Those of us not under the influence of drugs need to care, love, provide, value, counsel, and give a listening ear to those that are addicted,” he added.
The partnership between the Education for Greatness Foundation, NCCF, and NDLEA aims to intensify advocacy, strengthen preventive measures, and encourage community involvement in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.
Earlier in his welcome remarks ,organiser of the seminar,and writer of the book : War against indiscipline: A practical guide to Self- Discipline,which inspired the seminar ,Mr.Baba Emmanuel Solomon ,who is also the Founder and president of EGF,
called on Nigerian youths to shun hard drugs and instead channel their time and energy into discovering and developing their talents.
Solomon, drawing from insights in his book “War Against Indiscipline: A Practical Guide for Developing Self-Discipline,” said the lasting solution to drug addiction lies in self-discovery and purposeful engagement. According to him, any young person who identifies their God-given talent and commits time, energy and passion to nurture it will have no room for drug abuse.
He referenced successful Nigerian artistes such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tuface and Flavour as examples of individuals who have turned their talents into global relevance. He challenged the participants with a thought-provoking question—whether it was a crime for them to own luxury cars like Bugattis or Rolls Royces. When the crowd responded with a resounding “No,” he reminded them that such success would remain out of reach if they continued abusing hard drugs.
Solomon further shared his personal journey, noting that he could not have authored six books if he had indulged in drug use. He urged the youths to recognise how substance abuse destroys potential, derails dreams and hinders meaningful achievement.
Closing his remarks, the EGF President affirmed his belief in the talents within every youth present, stressing that his decision to spend his limited resources to organise the seminar stemmed from his commitment to helping them realise those potentials. He encouraged them to begin developing and deploying their talents in service to society, as this would not only uplift their lives but also empower them to make positive contributions to others.
The seminar formed part of ongoing collaborative efforts to curb drug abuse, promote discipline, and empower young people across communities.
The one day seminar ended with a renewed commitment by organizers and stakeholders to intensify advocacy and strengthen community action in the ongoing War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) across the Seme border axis and beyond
The Founder and President of the EGF,Mr Baba Emmanuel Solomon, generously gave out 50 hard copies of his book: War Against Indiscipline: A Practical guide to Self- Discipline to participants.