FOH-10NG to Hold 40th Anniversary Lecture on Substance Abuse, Addiction

Sunday Ehigiator

The Fountain of Hope Society 10NG (FOH 10NG) has announced plans to host its 40th Anniversary Lecture focused on tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and addiction in Nigeria, particularly among young people.

The lecture, themed ‘Overcoming the Scourge of Substance Abuse and Addiction: The Role of the Church in Prevention and Rehabilitation’, is scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Road, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

According to the organisers, the event will bring together mental health professionals, addiction experts, church leaders, law enforcement agencies, youth organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical strategies for prevention, rehabilitation and recovery.

Speaking ahead of the event, President of FOH-10NG, Tunde Alabi, said the theme was chosen as part of the society’s commitment to addressing pressing societal issues.

“As FOH 10NG marks its 40th anniversary this year, we consider it not only a Christian duty, but also part of our responsibility to contribute meaningfully to emerging and contemporary issues, to address the raging scourge of substance abuse and addiction which cuts across all facets of society.

“It is particularly a concern to us to stem the tide of this rampaging scourge by sensitising the youth to its dangers and consequences and, therefore, the necessity of avoidance, while also addressing solutions for those already ensnared by the problem.

“The lecture shall address, among others, the roles of the Church, medical practitioners, law enforcement agencies and youth bodies, not just in sensitisation, but in providing practical solutions to overcome the scourge.”

The anniversary lecture will feature presentations from leading professionals in mental health, addiction management and drug control.

Among the speakers is Dr. Jumoke Koyejo, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, who will deliver a presentation titled “Substance Use: The Killer Habit.”

Also scheduled to speak is Professor Olurotimi Coker of the Mental Health Unit, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, who will address the conference theme.

The programme will further 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 The Venerable, Sofolawe Bakare.

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

FOH-10NG called on parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare practitioners, youth groups and other stakeholders to participate in the lecture and support efforts aimed at combating substance abuse, protecting vulnerable populations and strengthening support systems for individuals battling addiction.

Founded as a chapter of Fountain of Hope International, a Christian fellowship and outreach movement committed to spiritual growth, community service and social intervention, FOH 10NG said it has remained dedicated to initiatives that uplift individuals, families and communities over the past four decades.

The society noted that its 40th anniversary celebration underscores its commitment to spiritual development, social advocacy and leadership on issues affecting the wellbeing and future of society.