As concerns about substance abuse and cultism among young people continue to draw attention in Nigeria, the importance of early intervention, education and positive mentorship remains a significant part of the conversation about youth development.

It was against this backdrop that Eko Boys to Men Association (EB2M) held its annual lecture and mentoring programme, themed P.R.O.T.E.C.T — Prevention, Outreach for Teens Endangered by Cultism and Substance Abuse Today.

The programme was designed to encourage young people to reject cultism and drug abuse, pursue education, build positive relationships and make choices that support their future.

The need for such interventions is underscored by Nigeria’s experience with substance use. A national survey on drug use conducted between 2016 and 2017 by the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64, representing about 14.3 million people, had used drugs in the preceding year.

Although the figure covers a broad age range rather than young people alone, it highlights the scale of substance use as a public health concern in the country.

Mentorship can contribute to this process by giving young people access to guidance from people with experience, helping them identify their strengths, set goals and navigate challenges as they grow.

For EB2M, the P.R.O.T.E.C.T programme places these concerns within a wider conversation about discipline, education and personal development.

One of the speakers at the programme, Henry Shogunro, emphasised the importance of self-discipline and remaining focused on personal ambitions.

He observed that material possessions could lose their value over time, while self-discipline remained an important quality for personal growth.

“Houses will grow old, and properties may eventually be taken over. Other assets, such as cars and clothes, will eventually go out of fashion. But one thing that stays with you is self-discipline,” he said.

Shogunro encouraged young people to remain focused on their goals rather than allow distractions to delay their progress. He also spoke about the importance of education, raising the question of how children could attend school without having to work.

His remarks point to issues that extend beyond individual choices. Young people’s opportunities to pursue education and plan for the future can also be shaped by their circumstances and the support available to them.

For a mentoring initiative to make a lasting difference, however, awareness must be accompanied by practical support. Young people need trusted adults they can approach, access to accurate information about substance use, and constructive opportunities to develop their interests and abilities.

EB2M’s annual lecture and mentoring programme, through its P.R.O.T.E.C.T theme, seeks to contribute to this effort by promoting education, positive networks and a future free from cultism and substance abuse.

The long-term value of such initiatives will depend on the support they provide beyond individual events, including whether young people can access continued mentorship and practical guidance.