There is something new upon the sleeves of Wilson Ighodalo, Principal Consultant, Questlink Media & Ad Ltd., a Brand and Advert Agency based in Lagos. His NGO, The Drug Salvation Foundation (TDSF) has concluded arrangements, in collaboration with the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to rev up substance abuse awareness and prevention.

This will be done through a double event scheduled for next week Thursday, May 22, in Lagos: The launch of the Substance Abuse Awareness Symbol and the Celebrities Drug Free Club.

“This awareness symbol is a sign representing the campaign against substance abuse in Nigeria while the Celebrities Drug Free Club is aimed at taking the club beyond schools and celebrities adding their voice against a drug free society. This will help to create a platform of active and sustained engagement of some selected celebrities members in drug control programmes in Nigeria,” Ighodalo, who has been championing illicit drug free society for over a decade, told News Express.

He disclosed that A-List celebrities like world famous Dayo Adeneye (D1); Femi Aderibigbe, owner Nigezie; Ibinabo Fiberesima, President, Actors Guild of Nigeria; Azuh Arinze, Publisher, YES International Magazine; star actor Victor Osuagwu; Goodwin Enakhena, well known sports journalist; Fred Amata, Prince Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Actors Guild of Nigeria; Uche Nnaji, owner OUCH top clothier; Nollywood actress Grace Amah, among others, have already signed up as member of Celebrities Drug Free Club

“The two initiatives already have the blessing and endorsement of NDLEA,” said Ighodalo, President/Founder of TDSF and Convener, Celebrities Drug Free Club.

He noted that “such a laudable and ground-breaking project on the war against drug abuse is happening for the first time in Nigeria and in Africa as a whole.”

Ighodalo further said the campaign will guide people in making informed choices and also provide information on treatment and rehabilitation to persons with drug abuse problems.

On the idea behind the Substance Abuse Awareness Symbol, Ighodalo said: “We all know a cause all over the world is represented by a symbol. This Substance Abuse Awareness Symbol about to be unveiled is expected to be a household anti-drug sign in Nigeria and beyond. The symbol will ultimately be a sign of awareness, supporting the cause and sensitising members of the public on the dangers of illicit drugs, from generation to generation unborn.”

The anti-drug abuse campaigner disclosed that the theme of this year’s campaign is “Anti-Drug Heroes Campaign”. The initiative, according to him, “is deliberately designed to engage indigenous heroes in all endeavours to voice their support against illicit drug-free society, because a lot of Nigerian youths see celebrities as role models and mentors. It is also another opportunity for celebs to inspire millions of Nigerian youths. Substance Abuse Awareness Symbol has come to stay for generational use and Celebrities Drug Free Club is a timeless advocacy.”

•Photo shows TDSF President/Founder, Wilson Ighodalo.