The Fountain of Hope Society 10NG (FOH 10NG) has announced plans to host its 40th anniversary lecture to examine the alarming rise in substance abuse and addiction across Nigeria, particularly among young people, as well as charting pathways towards prevention, rehabilitation and recovery.

The lecture, themed “Overcoming the scourge of substance abuse and addiction: The role of the church in prevention and rehabilitation,” will be held today at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Road, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The event is expected to bring together mental health experts, addiction specialists, church leaders, law enforcement officials, youth organisations and other stakeholders to explore practical and sustainable responses to pressing social and health challenges.

President of FOH 10NG, Tunde Alabi, who spoke ahead of the anniversary lecture, said the theme reflects the Society’s determination to contribute meaningfully to addressing contemporary societal challenges.

He said that the keynote sessions would feature leading professionals and practitioners in the fields of mental health, addiction management and drug control, including Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr Jumoke Koyejo, who will speak on “Substance Use: The Killer Habit.”

“Also delivering a major presentation is Prof. Olurotimi Coker of the Mental Health Unit, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, whose lecture will focus on the anniversary’s theme.

“The programme will also include a presentation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, a drama performance by the NYSC Drug-Free Club, Lagos, and a session on the spiritual and physical dimensions of addiction to be delivered by Venerable Sofolawe Bakare,” Alabi said.

According to him, dignitaries expected at the event include the Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev’d (Dr) James Olusola Odedeji; Chairman, Fountain of Hope International (FOHI), Waleola Adeyemo, and Chairman, Incorporated Trustees of Fountain of Hope International, Olutoyin Okeowo.

The Society called on parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, youth groups and all concerned Nigerians to participate in the lecture and join the collective effort to combat substance abuse, protect vulnerable populations and strengthen support systems for those battling addiction.