A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, Desmond Elliot, has announced plans to introduce talent hunts across secondary schools in Lagos State as part of a broader effort to promote creativity and discourage drug abuse among students.
Elliot made the disclosure on Thursday, June 26, during the second edition of the HelpGate Foundation World Drug Day Art Competition, organised to raise awareness on drug abuse and encourage positive engagement among youths. The competition featured artistic presentations from public secondary schools under Education District IV, including drawings, drama performances and spoken word poetry themed: “Prevention: Breaking the Chains of Drug Abuse.”
“I have been truly inspired by what these students have created here today. I will take up this initiative to ensure we begin talent hunts in secondary schools across Lagos. I will also speak with various education districts to ensure it is implemented,” Elliot said.
Eleven schools participated in the competition after an online submission and screening process. Sanya Senior Grammar School won first place with a drama performance and received a prize of ₦200,000. Ideal Girls Senior High School came second in the spoken word category and was awarded ₦150,000, while Obele Community Senior High School placed third with a painting entry and received ₦100,000.
The education officer representing the principal of the winning school, Mr. Kareem noted that the students completed most of their projects with minimal supervision. “When learners are motivated, teaching becomes easier,” he said.
The HelpGate Foundation, a non-governmental organisation committed to youth development and substance abuse prevention, has commemorated World Drug Day for more than a decade. While earlier editions featured roadshows, the foundation has shifted focus to school-based interventions to connect more directly with young people.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director, Pastor Temitope Emovon, the foundation’s Project Manager, Mrs Itam Okoi, urged students to avoid drug use, stating, “Stop drug abuse. Prevention is the best option. Safeguard your future and destiny by staying away from hard drugs.”
Pastor Emovon, a trained lawyer and certified mental health and behavioural disorders specialist, is the founder of the HelpGate Foundation. Though she was unavoidably absent due to international engagements, her team reaffirmed the foundation’s continued commitment to evidence-based prevention and youth empowerment.
The event was well received by stakeholders and participants, who praised the foundation’s innovative approach to advocacy and youth engagement.
