By Atlantic Reports

Secondary school students in Lagos Island have been urged to resist pressure to join cult groups, avoid substance abuse and report threats to trusted adults before situations escalate.

The advice came on Wednesday at the Annual Lecture and Mentoring Workshop organised by Eko Boys to Men, a Lagos Island-based association focused on youth development.

The programme, themed “P.R.O.T.E.C.T: Prevent Outreach for Teens Endangered by Cultism and Substance Abuse Today”, addressed prevention, rehabilitation, positive relationships and character development.

Speakers emphasised that protecting young people required cooperation among families, schools, security agencies and communities, alongside access to professional support.

“Real Brotherhood Offers a Future”

Mr Henry Shofowora, Chairman of the association’s Welfare and Membership Committee, said the initiative aimed to help young people make responsible choices and develop confidence.

He encouraged students to choose friends who supported their education, respected their boundaries and encouraged responsible behaviour.

“Real brotherhood offers a future, not a weapon,” he said.

Shofowora urged students to remain accountable to their guardians, practise positive self-affirmation and develop practical skills in entrepreneurship and technology.

He also cautioned against misusing prescription medicines and herbal mixtures, and encouraged students to build communication skills for future educational and career opportunities.

Report Threats, Avoid Confrontation

Chief Superintendent of Police Adeleke Salaudeen of the Lagos Island Area Command warned students about forced recruitment into cult groups and invitations that could expose them to unsafe situations.

He advised them to avoid threatening individuals and report suspicious activities or intimidation to teachers, principals, school security committees or other trusted adults.

Panellists said students who found it difficult to approach their parents could seek help from trusted relatives, religious leaders or responsible community members.

Their message was that young people facing threats should have dependable routes to assistance rather than feel compelled to manage the danger alone.

Support Peers Without Stigma

Mr Opeoluwa Taiwo, Executive Director of the African Initiative, urged students to show understanding towards peers experiencing substance-use problems and help them access professional care, including rehabilitation where necessary.

He said academic ability did not make a young person immune to harmful drug use, citing examples of individuals whose education and social confidence had suffered.

The discussion placed early intervention alongside prevention, recognising that students already experiencing difficulties need support rather than ridicule or exclusion.

Mr Abiodun Olabijoye, Principal of Eko Akete Senior Grammar School, said confidence-building should begin at home. He urged parents to nurture self-belief without encouraging arrogance.

A Survivor’s Account

Charles Chibuzor, who described himself as a substance-abuse survivor, shared his experience of early exposure to cigarettes at home and pressure from friends.

He said this progressed to cannabis, other drugs and selling substances while in school.

Chibuzor recounted a serious medical episode that required hospital treatment, which he attributed to withdrawal complications. His account was personal testimony; no medical documentation was provided to establish the cause.

He said surviving the experience prompted him to leave the harmful environment and begin rebuilding his life.

“Say no to drugs, stay smart, don’t start,” he told students.

Mascot performer Ayinla Muheez also spoke about his interactions with prisoners, describing the difficulties a former prisoner experienced in securing employment and rebuilding family life.

Skills and Sustained Mentorship

The workshop included discussions on public speaking, with panellists recommending preparation, attentive listening and learning from experienced speakers and mentors.

Project coordinator Mr Wale Adeyekun welcomed participating students, school officials, security personnel and other stakeholders.

Eko Boys to Men promotes mentorship, career guidance and skills acquisition through activities that connect young people with professionals.

The workshop’s central message was that safer choices are strengthened by positive friendships, trusted adults and timely support. Sustaining those relationships beyond a single event will be important for students who encounter pressure, threats or substance-use difficulties.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.