* As The Criterion donates welfare materials during Ramadan outreach at Lagos rehab
Director of Nursing Services at the Lagos State Health Service Commission, Nurse Sakeenah Olukoya, has warned Nigerian youth about the devastating effects of drug abuse, highlighting its physical, emotional, and social consequences.
She made the call on Saturday, February 21, during a visitation to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre (Correctional Centre for Senior Boys), organised by the Lagos chapter of The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and the professions.
Muslim News gathered that the outreach aimed to promote rehabilitation, spiritual renewal, and skill acquisition among the inmates of the correctional center.
Addressing the inmates, Nurse Olukoya explained that drug misuse, whether due to peer influence, depression, or family challenges, may provide temporary relief but leaves lasting harm on both the body and the mind.
According to her, “Some people start with smoking or other substances thinking it’s harmless. Others take drugs to escape problems, but the relief is temporary, and the damage is permanent.”
She cautioned that prolonged substance abuse weakens immunity, affects appearance, encourages aggression, and can lead to injuries or serious illnesses such as lung cancer and hepatitis.
“It affects your physical wellbeing and even takes away your beauty. Some people become high and misbehave, fight, or get cuts all over their body. Others develop blackened lips, low immunity, and are exposed to illnesses. This is the price for short-term enjoyment as a result of drug abuse,” she said.
During the visit attended by all Lagos district members, The Criterion distributed bags of rice, garri, beans, bunk beds and mattresses, a laserjet printer, generator sets, and prayer mats to support the inmates’ welfare and educational activities.
A special prayer session led by Hajia Mutiat Hassan focused on forgiveness, healing, and reintegration into society, while encouraging the youth to continually seek Allah’s guidance.
“Whenever you are challenged, return to Allah, seek His guidance, and seek forgiveness,” she said.
“Many have died, but you are alive”, Prof. Yaqoub inspires inmates to reform
The visit also featured motivational counselling from the Professor of Economics at Lagos State University, Prof. Jameela Yaqoub, who encouraged inmates to embrace gratitude and reflect on the purpose of their lives.
“Whatever brought you here, you are still alive. Many people have died, but Allah preserved your life for a reason,” she said.
Prof. Yaqoub cited the story of Prophet Yusuf, who was imprisoned before rising to a position of leadership under Firaun, urging inmates to see incarceration as a chance to reform and acquire skills for a better future.
She also commended the Lagos State Government for improving rehabilitation facilities and providing opportunities for learning and spiritual growth.
She urged inmates to cooperate with management, obey rules and regulations, begin praying if they were not already doing so, and use the time in the centre to develop positive habits.
“While you are here, fast and pray for Allah to reform you and your behaviour. Whatever challenges you face, take them as lessons. Think about what you can do differently and teach others skills you know,” she advised.
Reacting to the visit, social worker at the correctional center, Mr. Ismail Sowami expressed gratitude to The Criterion for its compassion and consistent engagement with vulnerable groups.
He acknowledged the presence of success stories among former inmates while admitting that some struggle with change, stressing that sustained encouragement and support can influence positive outcomes.
Inmates share stories of substance abuse and peer influence
Some inmates who spoke during the interactive session reflected on how substance abuse and negative peer influence shaped their journeys.
One inmate recounted beginning with smoking for over a decade before progressing to harder substances, despite concerns from his spouse, a trajectory that ultimately led him to rehabilitation.
Another inmate used the opportunity to advise parents to devote more time and attention to their children, warning that excessive freedom and lack of supervision can expose young people to harmful behaviours.
He also noted that boarding schools alone cannot replace parental guidance.
“We are mothers to all children,” says Amirah Saba during
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Hajia Mariam Muse-Saba explained that The Criterion remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations, especially women and children, through humanitarian and spiritual initiatives.
She noted that correctional and rehabilitation outreach has become a Ramadan tradition for the association, with previous visits to facilities at Idi-Araba and Majidun areas of Lagos State.
“We are mothers to all children. Our presence here is to encourage them, pray with them and give them hope that they can still become better persons,” she said.
Hajia Muse-Saba added that the group intends to sustain periodic visits to monitor residents’ wellbeing, provide encouragement and support their reintegration journey.
As the visit concluded with prayers and distribution of relief materials, inmates were left with a powerful reminder: rehabilitation is not merely confinement but a chance to heal, learn and rediscover purpose.
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