Pitch Communications/AlimoshoTV known for its penchant for promoting hard work, dedication and selflessness, has honoured Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their fields towards nation-building.
The outstanding individuals were honored at the Pitch Communications/AlimoshoTV 1st Annual Public Lecture and Award of Excellence held at Raddison Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos on Friday.
The theme of the event was: “Building The Future Together.” The lecture’s topic dwells on “Excessive Use of Drugs: Causes, Prevention, Solutions and Hope for the Future.”
The main speaker at the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Executive Chairman, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ably represented by the Lagos State Commandant of the agency, Callys Alumona, who dealt mercilessly with the topic of the programme, called on Nigerians to abstain from drugs abuse.
The keynote speaker, Professor Sola Oladipupo, former Director of Sandwich Degree Program, Lagos State University (LASU), equally did justice to the topic.
Awardees at the glamorous and educative ceremony are: •Hon. Rasak Olusola Ajala, The Executive Chairman, Odi-Olowo LCDA, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Best Performing Local Govt. Chairman.
•CSP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Most Pro-Active Cop Of The Year.
•Mr. Akeem Adeola Salami, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Young Entrepreneur of The Year.
•Mr. Babalola Ogunjimi, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Security Outfit Of The Year.
•Mrs. Azeezat Damilola Omo-Owo Odubajo, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Young Female Politician Of The Year.
•Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Kuraja, Sarki Overall of Alimosho, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Peace Ambassador.
•Mrs. Toyin Olowoyeye Taiwo, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Education Empowerment.
•Hon. (Dr) Erinola Eric Abayomuyiwa, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Education Empowerment.
•Mr. Abiodun Olusegun Otun, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For The NGO Of The Year.
•Otunba Kehinde Adeola Almaroof, The Executive Chairman, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Best Performing Chairman in Road Construction / Rehabilitation.
•Hon. Sulaimon Jelili, The executive Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, PITCH COMMUNICATIONS Award For Best Performing Chairman in infrastructure Development.
Professor Oladipupo stated that substance abuse has become a large phenomenon in the world in the past two decades affecting all segments of society, adding that the use of alcohol, tobacco and various drugs has a wide spread phenomenon among youths.
“The abuse of psychoactive drugs among youths is an issue of national importance. Substance abuse is increasing at an alarming rate, causing serious threats to every nation by deteriorating health increasing crimes and hampering productivity, destroying relationships, eroding social and moral values and impeding the overall progress of societies
“There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Alcohol use is a risk factor for over 60 disease conditions and injuries, including non-communicable diseases.
“The 2016 Global burden of disease study estimated that Nigeria was one of the countries with the highest prevalence of current alcohol use among adults 15 years and older.
“The absence of a working policy on alcohol in Nigeria is due to the sabotaging efforts of the alcohol manufacturing companies on the formulation of effective alcohol control policies
She urged the government at all levels to create more awareness to the general public on the health effects of excessive alcohol, drugs and harmful substance use.
“Drug education should be introduce into all levels of education in Nigeria. Religion organisations should be involved in the campaign against excessive alcohol, drugs and harmful substance use.
“NDLEA should collaborate with civil society and non-government organisations in war against drugs and harmful substance use and sanctioned offenders.
“The Federal Safety Corps should introduce drugs test on all drivers on the highway,” she opined.
