IDL Champions Campaign against Underage Alcohol Consumption among Students

Raheem Akingbolu

In a bid to address the growing concern over underage drinking, female employees of the Intercontinental Distillers Limited, known as the IDL Amazons, has begun an awareness campaign among school children in Ogun State and vowed to sustain the efforts across schools in order to educate them on the danger of substance abuse as well as underage drinking.

    The initiative, organised for students at the Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, Ogun State, was part of IDL Amazons’ activities to mark this year's International Women’s Day, aimed at raising awareness among students to prioritise their education, personal development, and future goals rather than seeing alcohol or drugs as symbols of social status.



   Human Resources Manager, Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL) and Team Lead IDL Amazons, Bertina Bamgbose, stressed that the initiative tagged ‘Focus Is the Flex’, aligns with IWD theme, ‘Give to Gain' through supporting teenagers, whom she said are facing increasing social pressures including pressure to experiment with alcohol and drugs in order to feel accepted. 


   According to her, “The ‘Focus Is the Flex’ initiative was therefore created to provide students with the knowledge, confidence, and courage to resist these pressures and to understand that true strength lies in discipline, self-respect, and focus on their aspirations.”


  She emphasised that the campaign was specifically targeted at students within the host community where the company operates, noting that the organisation considers them valuable members of society whose future must be protected.


 While assuring that campaign will not be a one-time event, she revealed that over hundreds of students have benefited from the initiative, adding that it will partner with the state Ministry of Education to reach more schools in coming weeks.


Addressing the students, a psychiatrist, Victoria Elegbede, urged them to abstain from drug abuse, stressing that their future potential far outweighs any temporary pleasure drugs may offer.

 “Drug abuse can affect you physically, it can affect your social well-being, person's psychological well-being, she warned, emphasising that the danger it caused are far-reaching and can lead to social problems, legal issues, and financial difficulties.

  She also warned against underage alcohol consumption, emphasising that only with maturity can one fully understand alcohol’s potential consequences, including liver damage and other health complications.


 Some of the students who participated in the exercise expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing it as impactful and inspiring. 
 Praise Oluwadamilola, an SS3 science student, said  that the session emphasised the need for students to stay focused, make better decisions, and understand that how they handle their present will determine their future. 

Similarly, another student, Alaka Boluwatife, pointed out that they learned that they can enjoy life while still focusing on their goals without succumbing to drug abuse or negative influences.