ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Founder, David Folaranmi Foundation and former drug addict, David Folaranmi has shared an inspiring story of how he overcame addiction and his mission to rescue others through his foundation.
David spoke at the 6th Annual Symposium on Drug Abuse, held at the University of Nigeria (UNN), Enugu Campus.
Folaranmi narrated how he fell into drug addiction in the UK, lost everything, and eventually found redemption.
Speaking on the theme: “Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention,” Folaranmi noted that his journey into drug addiction began in 2010 when he moved to the UK after completing his studies in Nigeria
He was introduced to hard drugs by friends and soon became hooked, selling his properties, including his car, and living on the streets for seven years.
However, in 2017, he received help and began his rehabilitation journey.
Moved by his experience, Folaranmi established the David Folaranmi Foundation in 2017 to educate and prevent drug abuse among youths, particularly in the South East region.
He emphasized the importance of family, community, school, media, and religious leaders in campaigning against drug abuse.
The symposium focused on prevention, educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse, and training them to spread the message.
“I was once a drug addict. When I finished schooling in Nigeria, I went to the UK in 2010 and some of my friends introduced me to hard drugs.
“It became bad that I started selling my property including my car and started living on the streets in UK; it took up to seven years of moving from one place to the other but I was rescued and rehabilitated.
“When I got better in 2017, I started this foundation to save the youths from drug addiction.
“When I went for a programme and drug survey came out, and there was high prevalence cases in the Southeast, we decided to establish the foundation in Enugu.
“So if we can teach them at school level on prevention, it will not exceed to their adulthood. We will train them on causes, risk factors, and preventive measures.
“As we train them, they will go out and train others”, he said.
Guest speakers, including Prof. Philip Udoh and Lt. Col. Adeyemi Abolade, stressed the need for awareness, seeking medical help, and a total ban on hard drug sales.
Prof. Udoh recalled that during his school days, illicit drugs were uncommon, but now they are widespread among students.
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Lt. Col. Abolade commended the foundation for its efforts, urging students to desist from drug abuse, as prevention is cheaper than treatment.
Students in attendance, like Miracle Oji, expressed gratitude for the sensitization and pledged to spread the message to their peers.
“I will take the message to my friends and other members of my community,” she said.
Folaranmi’s story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to overcome addiction and join the fight against drug abuse.
The symposium aimed to remind young people about the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on society, empowering them to make informed choices.
VONa reports that the event brought together secondary school students, security agencies, health officers, and other stakeholders, reinforcing the need for a collective effort in combating drug abuse.
Folaranmi’s foundation has been at the forefront of this fight, providing resources and support for those affected by drug addiction.
His personal story and dedication serve as a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that together, we can create a safer, healthier society.