In furtherance of its enduring commitment to community service and social justice, Katamaran Deck of the National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC) has successfully organised a Back-to-School Initiative and Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Homelessness in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The advocacy-driven exercise, held in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ijebu-Ode Command, featured a public awareness march that took off from the Deck’s Temporary Anchor Point (TAP) near NTA Ijebu-Ode and moved through Oke-Aje Market, Oja-Oloko, and Epe Garage.
The colourful and impactful rally attracted the attention of traders, motorists, motorcyclists, tricyclists, students and members of the general public.
Participants, including NAS members and NDLEA officers, carried banners highlighting the campaign’s twin themes — Back-to-School and “Say No to Drug Abuse.” The exercise featured distribution of flyers, direct community engagement, and enlightenment talks on the importance of education and the dangers of substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, the Cap’n of Katamaran Deck, Comrade Jamal Apena, stressed that education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and curbing social vices.
“We are here to remind parents of the need to send their children to school. Education remains the most powerful weapon against poverty and social ills. Drug abuse is destroying lives and futures every day, and we must all—parents, teachers, and community members—join hands to guide and counsel our children,” he said.
Comrade Apena further explained that the initiative formed part of the association’s global social intervention programme, designed to empower young people and address social challenges at the grassroots level.
The coordinator of projects and the Second Mate of Katamaran Deck, Dr. Olusola S. Adeyemi noted that “the Back-to-School Initiative and Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Homelessness are more than just social projects but lifelines to restore hope, dignity and purpose among our people. Education remains a powerful weapon against poverty, crime and social decay while awareness and rehabilitation are vital tools in the fight against drug abuse and homelessness”.
Also speaking during the exercise, Mr. Isijola Emmanuel, the team leader of the NDLEA Ijebu-Ode Command, commended the National Association of Seadogs for its consistent collaboration and advocacy towards achieving a drug-free society.
“Drug abuse remains one of the biggest threats to youth development in Nigeria. We are pleased to partner with the Pyrates Confraternity on this initiative because it takes sensitisation to the grassroots. This campaign demonstrates that the NDLEA’s work goes beyond arrest and prosecution—it includes counseling, rehabilitation, and creating awareness on the dangers of substance abuse,” he noted.
Members of the public also lauded the campaign for its relevance and timeliness.
On his own part, Vice-Chairman of the NTA Marwa Tricycle Drivers Association Park, Pastor Samuel Emmanuel, described the exercise as a “much-needed wake-up call,” emphasising that many young people fall into drug abuse due to lack of proper guidance.
In his closing remarks, Comrade Jamal Apena reaffirmed the Deck’s dedication to social responsibility and humanitarian service, noting that the campaign would be a continuous project with future outreach programmes targeting schools, traders, and artisan associations.
“We believe every child deserves access to quality education, and our youths must be properly guided to understand the dangers of substance abuse. Change begins when we all get involved,” he stated.
The campaign once again reaffirmed the National Association of Seadogs’ mission to build a just, humane, and enlightened society through advocacy, education and civic engagement.