#PNN E-Mentoring (Taiwo Akinlami): Personal Safety/Self-Protection from Drug Abuse (4)

Hello my dear young friends. Sure you are doing great today. How was your weekend? Sure it was great. I know many of you did not vote because you have not attained voting age yet. But I know many of you participated in your own little way. My friend’s daughter, who is just 7 years old, was trying to canvass me last week to vote for a particular political party.

Pardon me that I did not make it here last week. My health gave me some warning notices and I had to respect myself. I decided to rest. My rest claimed this discussion. Trust me; though I was resting far away on my bed, my heart was here with you on this page. The truth of the matter is that I missed you.

Today, I will continue our discussion on how to protect yourself from drug abuse. I will conclude the reasons why I think young people use drugs. Here is the 6^th and the last reason:

Adventure: as young people, you are very adventurous. Many young people want to test their curiosity. As I always say, life is too serious and real to be lived by trial and errors. God gave you curiosity not to destroy you but to help you to query things for your progress and stand out. Your adventure must never lead to embark on doing something you know could destroy you.

When we were in secondary school, one of my mates went to smoke dry pawpaw leaves. He wanted to taste it. He gave his adventurous mind free flow of expression. Do you know what happened to him? Hmmm…HE RAN MAD JUST LIKE THAT. The truth is that he did not finish secondary school with us. I always tell myself that I must never smell what I do not plan to eat. I must not taste anything that has no clear benefits for my body.

Many young people have lost their lives and future as results of adventure. As I have said before here that being young does not mean you are stupid or irresponsible. Any adventure that does not push you forward towards becoming a responsible youth, who will become responsible adult, is not worth it. Adventure must lead you to positive actions and not negative ones.

I will sign out here today. Next week, by the grace of God, I will begin to discuss with you the impact of drug abuse and addiction. Thereafter, we will discuss tips on how you can avoid drug abuse and addiction. Please join me next week for these and more. Please note that I am available on this platform for interactions.

Please Stay SMART and do have your wonderful selves an INSPIRED week.

Taiwo Akinlami is a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, foremost Child Protection Specialist, Consultant to UNICEF, governments, and other leading national and international organisations on Child Protection, Independent Legal and Social Regulatory Expert on Child’s Rights and Responsibilities Issues, Legal Enlightenment & Development Enthusiast, Researcher, Social Empowerment Advocate, Author, Blogger and an accredited facilitator of the British Council School Leadership Program. Website: www.taiwoakinlami.com│Blog: www.taiwoakinlami.wordpress.com│Twitter: @taiwoakinlami