The 2026 Miss Kogi International, Queen Muslimat Alhassan, has intensified efforts to combat drug abuse and sexual violence among young people in the State.
The programme was organised by Miss Kogi International in collaboration with the DAM Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation held at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
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Addressing students at the event, Queen Muslimat said the alarming rate of drug abuse, sexual assault, unsafe abortion and sexually transmitted diseases among youths informed the initiative, noting that the campaign is aimed at mobilising young people to make positive life choices and embrace moral responsibility.
The queen, who disclosed that she is a survivor of sexual assault at a tender age, described the rising cases of rape and abuse as disturbing, calling for stronger legal action against perpetrators and encouraged victims, especially women and the girl-child, to speak up and seek justice.
Queen Muslimat also urged parents to maintain open communication with their children to enable them share their concerns and challenges freely.
A Guest Speaker, Dr. Olusola Baoku, noted that women and the girl-child remain the most vulnerable to sexual assault, and advised victims to promptly report such cases to the nearest police station.
Dr. Baoku further cautioned students against self-medication in cases of sexually transmitted diseases, stressing the importance of proper medical consultation to prevent complications such as infertility and depression.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drug Abuse, Mrs. Eunice Treasure Achimugu, commended the initiative, noting that many criminal activities are linked to illicit drug use, giving a strict warning that substance abuse negatively ruin academic performance and has often led to cases of mental instability among youths.
The Convener of Miss Kogi International, Comrade Abdulsalam Abdulhakeem Adeiza, described the sensitisation programme as timely and impactful, calling on government and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at promoting youth development.
On behalf of the students, the President of the Students Union Government of Kogi State Polytechnic, Comrade Abdulmalik Abdulwahab, appreciated the organisers for the programme, describing it as a step in the right direction.
He assured that the institution’s management and student leadership would continue to support efforts against illicit use of drug.
