As part of activities marking the 2025 World Pharmacists Day, pharmacists from Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Benin City, organized an anti-drug enlightenment programme for students of Pioneer Educational Centre with a strong message say no to drug abuse and yes to a brighter future. It is worthy of note that the World Pharmacists Day, instituted by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), is celebrated annually to highlight the vital role pharmacists play in improving health worldwide. This year’s theme centred on raising awareness about safe medicine use and curbing the menace of substance abuse among young people.
The event, held at the school auditorium on 25th September 2025, brought together senior secondary students, teachers, and members of the school’s top management, who listened attentively as the pharmacists took turns to enlighten the teenagers on the dangers of drug abuse.
Leading the delegation was the Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Z.I. Nwokedi, alongside senior colleagues, including Pharm. O. Isibor (Assistant Director), Pharm. C.I.O. Uanseoje (Assistant Director), Pharm. M.A. Ajibade (Chief Pharmacist), Pharm. A.O. Akinmutola (Chief Pharmacist), Pharm. A.P. Egbe Igbinigie (Principal Pharmacist), Pharm. O.P. Egharevba (Principal Pharmacist), Pharm. Osa-O.J. Omoregie (Pharmacist) among others.
In his opening remarks, Pharm. Isibor explained that the choice of the school was deliberate, as teenagers are often the most vulnerable to peer pressure and experimentation with harmful substances. “We are here to empower you with knowledge, because the decisions you make today can shape your entire future”, he said.
The highlight of the event was a series of interactive lectures delivered by Pharm. Uanseoje, Pharm. Egharevba, and Pharm. Obaseki. They spoke passionately about the devastating consequences of drug abuse, ranging from poor academic performance and damaged family relationships to severe mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. The event was rounded off with a lively questions-and-answers segment anchored by Pharm. Nwokedi, where students asked thought-provoking questions. The representative of the school’s management expressed profound gratitude to Management of FNPH Benin for bringing the enlightenment programme to their students. Deeply moved by the initiative, she promised to establish a “Drug Abuse Campaign Club” in their school to sustain the message brought to their school.
