Nigerian students have been urged to steer clear of drug abuse and other social vices that can truncate their educational pursuit and future ambition.
This charge was handed to students during an event known as ‘Interact’. It was the climax of a sensitization programme, held by Rotary District 9112, which had about 30 schools in Lagos in attendance.
The District Governor, Femi Adenekan, encouraged the students to focus on their studies, saying Rotary was more particular about their future.
“Rotary International takes this age bracket seriously because we believe that if we’re able to catch them young, it will guide your choices in life and career.
“For some of us, we grew up like you. I didn’t have the opportunity to join any Interact Club when I was in school. And because I joined Interact as a young adult, I have grown to become a responsible adult.
“I charge all of you to take serious your chosen vocations as that can define your life.
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“This club will help you to change your decision-making process.”
Past President Yetunde Dimowo, who chairs the group said, Rotary decided to bring the schools together to enlighten them on dangers of drug abuse, gender-based violence and for spelling bee competition in 2024-2025 Rotary year.
According to her, Interact, which Rotary international began in 1962, was among others meant to inculcate virtues in the students who are leaders of tomorrow.
She added that, her team had in the course of the week visited several schools where they engaged the students on different aspects of their lives.
Dimowo, who lamented adverse effects social media are having on education, said the group saw the need to introduce a spelling bee competition.
“We saw the importance of reading and spelling because we understand that children of this generation contend with a lot of contents in the social media space.
“Now, many of our students have deficiency in English Language due to influence of social media.
“This is why we reached a decision to introduce spelling bee and we are hopeful that it will go a long way to positively impact on them.
“So, this competition is about placing our children on the right pedestals.
“Essentially, we are set to disabuse the students’ minds on getting money quick syndrome, which is rampant among them today.
“We also want them to accept the reality of education as a sure path to the zenith of their goals and career.”
Three students eventually emerged as winners in the competition. They are Akinwande Elizabeth of Will’be Excellence School, Ikotun, Alomosho, got N50,000 cash reward. First runner-up, Olugbitan Osadebamen, and second runner-up both of Dolphin Senior High School, Obalende, Ikoyi, got N10,000 and N5,000 respectively.