Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2024 Session  13 Report

Topic:  Business pitching 

Date: 12th of  April 2025

Volunteers Present:  5

Total Number of Attendees: 51

Timings: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri

Main Topic/Activity: Drug abuse 

Resource Person:  Tosan Osandatuwa 

Summary

The dire need for everyone to steer clear of drugs and substance abuse as it has become a menace in societies..

Session Delivery:

The session kicked off with a word game organized by Toju Ogharandukun. Teans took turns creating sentences using a given word, with the last word of each sentence becoming the next word to be used. The game challenged their creativity and linguistic skills.

The game was an entertaining way to exercise their brains, promoting teamwork, quick thinking, and effective communication. The session was a perfect blend of fun and education, making learning an enjoyable experience.

When the scheduled facilitator was unable to attend, Tosan Osandatuwa stepped in to lead an impromptu session on the dangers of drug abuse. Despite the change in plans, the session proved to be highly informative and engaging.

The facilitator emphasized the importance of only taking medication as prescribed by a doctor. Unfortunately, many people abuse drugs like tramadol and codeine to feel intoxicated, unaware of the severe consequences. The facilitator shared examples of young people who have suffered mental health issues due to drug abuse.

The Dangers of Drug Abuse

•  Mental Disorder: Drug abuse can lead to severe mental health problems.
• Negative Impact on Academic Performance: Substance abuse can harm academic success.
• Health Problems: Drug abuse can lead to severe and long-lasting health issues.
• Desperation and Addiction: Drug abuse can lead to addiction and desperation

Prevention Strategies

• Follow Doctor’s Orders: Only take medication as prescribed by a doctor.
• Be Cautious of Unknown Substances: Avoid taking substances you don’t know or understand.
• Resist Peer Pressure: Don’t let friends or peers influence you to try substances.

The session effectively conveyed the risks associated with drug abuse and the importance of making informed choices. By avoiding substance abuse, young people can protect their health, well-being, and academic success.

Some participants went home with cash gifts as they answered some questions correctly.

The session was a perfect blend of fun and education, making learning an enjoyable experience.

VOLUNTEERS 

• Debi Amadedon
• Jolomi Tedeye 
• Omatsola Okpeyeaghan
• Toju Ogharandukun 
• Tosan Osandatuwa 

Other key activities during the session

The participants told stories of how they see people who are mentally disordered due to abuse of drugs.