HELPGATE Foundation, a youth rehabilitation and reintegration not-for-profit organization, last Friday and in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) marked the World Drug-Free Day, which is observed June 26 every year, as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Established in April 2008, HelpGate aims to give vulnerable youth in the society hope to live a productive, responsible, drug and vice-free life through counselling, feeding, rehabilitation, lodging, entrepreneurial training and empowerment.

The event featured a mass rally, lectures, seminars, and concert to create awareness on the effect of drug abuse in our society.

The programme tagged “Drugs Can Make you a Slave” hosted over 200 participants comprising of members of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Temitope Emovon Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Amos Emovon (Vice Chairman), Mr. Folu Koku, dignitaries, members of the Red Cross Society, police escort, members of the press, well-meaning Nigerians and youths from various parts of Lagos.

The rally took off by 10.10a.m. at HelpGate Foundation House, 71, Itire Road, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos through Ogunlana Drive, Alhaji Masha, Shitta, Kilo, National Stadium, Ojuelegba and back to Itire Road, Lawanson and ended at the Foundation House at about 12.33p.m.

Participants carried placards, tracts and hand- bills. The speeches, talks and message all revolved around the evil of drug abuse in the society and the urgent need to kick it out immediately for a better future for all.

Some of the talks were delivered by Mr. Keji Hamilton of House of Joy Foundation Surulere, Mrs. Temitope Emovon and other drug counsellors and mentors.

The event was very successful because feedback received during and after the rally indicated strong sensitisation in the environment.

“We believe the awareness created would go a long way in transforming the lives of addicts and also inform parents and guardians on the need to counsel their children and others on the negative effect of drugs,” Mrs. Emovon said.