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Nigeria is on the brink of an epidemic as far as substance abuse
is concerned as available statistics show that the global prevalence average
for substance use is 5.6% whilst Nigeria’s prevalence rate is 14%- almost
triple of the global average. This was revealed by Mrs. Folu Adeboye, wife of
the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Matron
of Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM)-a non-governmental organization
that caters to the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have
overcome drug abuse.
Mrs Adeboye made this revelation over the weekend at the
graduation ceremony of the 49th set of CADAM beneficiaries held at the Enoch
& Folu Adeboye Rehabilitation Centre at Araga, Epe, Lagos. The 49th set had
a total of 36 people -31 male and 5 female.
Further speaking on the occasion, she said, “We are all gathered
here today to witness the faithfulness of God in the lives of these 31 men of
honour and 5 virtuous ladies as they graduate from here to return to the
society fortified by the teachings and guidance they have received here.
“I am a proud Mother today to these beautiful children of God
and a witness to what God is doing in the lives of any beneficiary that steps
in here, their families, CADAM itself and the society at large. We all know
that substance abuse disorders have ravaged our Nation and this unfortunate
situation is clear reminder that all hands must be on deck to save our youths
from destruction as well as the soul of our nation.
“This is one of the reasons that the General Overseer of the
Mission, Pastor E.A Adeboye as a Patron, is committed to the activities of this
ministry. This also has caused me to take this ministry under my wings to
assist in every way possible to achieve its purpose and objectives. I thank God
daily for all the members of the Board of Trustees and especially the Chairman,
for their commitment to make this ministry an international organisation in the
treatment and rehabilitation of people with substance use disorders,” she said.
She added, “Today, we will be bidding these 36 persons farewell
as they re-join their families and the larger society. My prayer for them as
always is that our Lord will keep them safe as they walk the narrow path of
faith and righteousness. May they never return to their vomit but go to perform
exploits living drug-free independent and productive lives.
Earlier, while welcoming guests and congratulating CADAM
graduates, Anthony Aletor who is Chairman of CADAM and Vice Chairman, Capital
Express Assurance Limited expressed his gratitude for the occasion and the
success of CADAM. “We thank the Almighty God for the opportunity of even having
this ceremony to send forth to the outside world, 31 Men of Honour and 5
virtuous ladies to begin a new lease of life, despite the challenges of
covid-19 pandemic.
“There's no doubt that CADAM in its 30 years of existence, has
contributed to the successful treatment and rehabilitation of 3000
beneficiaries, most of whom are now living productive, independent and
drug-free lives in various areas of human engagements and are indeed happy to
witness another send-forth,” he revealed.
Commenting on the achievement of CADAM in recent years, Aletor
revealed that CADAM now has a Head Office located at Agidingbi which makes it
possible to receive dignitaries from NDLEA and other accredited drug related
agencies as well as provide counselling services. He added that the NGO has
increased its capacity and reach with the addition of directorates, the
appointment of a DG as well as other measures that will ensure that it operates
across the 36 states, the FCT and beyond Nigeria to ensure a drug free
world.
“This we intend to do by ensuring full commitment to our
five-year strategic direction which includes the desire to have regional
offices in the 6 geopolitical zones and more rehabilitation centers across the
country, whilst working with some state Governments to help them manage their
drug problems and initiating more social awareness programs on the national
drug problems through radio and TV programs with the help of many
organizations,” he revealed.
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