The Palace of HRM, Asagba of Asaba: Presents - International Drug Awareness Day

Palace of HRM, the Asagba of Asaba: Presents - International Drug Awareness Day

June 26th 2025 - Asagba Mixed Secondary School, Asaba #asabadrugawareness2025

Most Commonly Abused Drugs

Cannabis

Cannabis is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. Cannabis is a depressant drug which means producing an effect that will slow down the activity of the central nervous system

Codeine

Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever that comes from poppy seeds. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which can provide pain relief and a feeling of relaxation.

Amphetamine

Addiction means your body and mind are dependent on the drug. You are not able to control your use of it and you need it to get through daily life.

Heroin

The drug slows down certain functions of a person’s brain and nervous system. A person’s body adapts to regular heroin use and may come to depend on the drug to function ‘normally’.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a rare and fatal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by growth failure, impaired development of the nervous system, abnormal sensitivity to sunlight eye disorders and premature aging.

Diazepam

The overuse of diazepam could see users experience dangerous, and even fatal, seizures, along with extreme anxiety, agitation, memory loss, and exhaustion

Miraa (Khat)

Chronic khat abuse can result in violence and suicidal depression. Khat causes an immediate increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Tramadol

People who abuse tramadol usually feel relaxed and happy. People with severe pain may also take higher doses of the drug, which puts them at higher risks of serious side effects, including seizures and respiratory depression.

Robypnol

Abuse could be devastating to a teen. Exaggerated intoxication, severe sedation, unconsciousness, and slowed heart rate and breathing, which can lead to death.

Glue

Glue-sniffing, the deliberate inhalation of vaporized plastic cements, is a practice of increasing frequency among adolescents.

The Committee

The Anti-Drug Action and Rehabilitation Committee is a community-led initiative inaugurated by the Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge SAN, OON and was established to combat the rising threat of drug abuse and support the recovery of affected individuals. Comprised of healthcare professionals, educators, traditional leaders, youth representatives, and law enforcement, the committee focuses on drug prevention education, early intervention, and accessible rehabilitation programs. Through awareness campaigns, school outreach, counseling services, and partnerships with rehabilitation centers, the committee aims to restore hope, protect our youth, and build a healthier, drug-free community.

Our Mission

To safeguard the well-being of the Asaba community by preventing drug abuse, supporting rehabilitation, and empowering individuals—especially our youth—through education, outreach, and compassionate care. We are committed to building a united front against substance abuse and fostering a healthy, resilient, and drug-free society.

Our Objective

Create awareness about the dangers of using illicit drugs in secondary schools and Institutes of higher learning in Asaba.
– Liaise with NDLEA and religious bodies to organise lectures targeted at Asaba youths about the dangers of illegal drug use
– Design programs which will challenge youth intellect such as quiz programs and debates among secondary school students in Asaba and keep them sufficiently busy to avoid the dangers of drug abuse.

The Drug Awareness Lecture

Speaker(s)

Dr. (Mrs) Esther O. Anyanwu – Assistant Director Medical Social Work, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State.

Bio: Diploma( Social Work)
BSc (Sociology )
PGDE ( Education).
MEd. Personel Psychology
PhD. Personel Psychology
Assistant Director, Medical Social Work
Former Head of Department, Medical Social Work, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State.

Dr. Ekene Omo – Medical Doctor · Federal Medical centre Asaba

Bio:

Event Schedule

Time

Content

Speaker

11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Opening Remarks

Dr. Ekene Omo

11:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Introduction of Speaker and Special Guests

Obi Nwanyi Adanma Ajufoh

12:00 PM to 14:00 PM

Say No To Drugs - Combatting the menace of drug use in Asaba requires a comprehensive grassroots approach that focuses on education, mentoring, and skill development.

Dr. (Mrs) Esther O. Anyanwu.

14:00 PM to 15:00 PM

Vote of Thanks and Q&A

Mrs Mary Jane Ideke

True Testimonials

I thought weed and alcohol were just part of ‘enjoying life’—until they became my whole life. I lost my wife and almost lost my children. Rehab was tough, but the counseling and skills training I received changed everything. Today, I run a small carpentry business and I speak in schools to warn others. Recovery is possible—it begins with one decision.

Joseph 30

Former Cannabis and Alcohol Addict

I used to mix cough syrup with soft drinks at parties, thinking it was harmless fun. Before I knew it, I was hooked—skipping classes, stealing money, and lying to everyone. It was a lonely and dark place. With help from a mentor and support group, I slowly got clean. Learning hairdressing gave me a new purpose. I smile now, genuinely.

Amaka 22

Recovered Codeine User

I started using Tramadol during my final year at university just to cope with stress. It made me feel powerful and numb to pressure, but soon I couldn’t function without it. I lost my job, respect from my family, and nearly my life. A community rehab program in Asaba saved me. Now, I work with young people to tell them it’s not worth it. You don’t need drugs to be strong