Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State – Saturday, October 4, 2025
The Katamaran Deck of the National Association of Seadogs – Pyrates Confraternity (NAS/PC), in a vibrant spirit of community and advocacy, took to the streets of Ijebu-Ode with a dual campaign focused on sending children back to school and fighting drug abuse and homelessness.
The initiative, held in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ijebu-Ode Command, kicked off on Saturday 4th October, 2025, with a public awareness march that wound through key areas from the Deck’s Temporary Anchor Point near the NTA Station to Oke-Aje Market, Oja-Oloko, and Epe Garage.
With colourful banners reading “Say No to Drug Abuse” and “Back to School”, members of NAS and NDLEA officers engaged the community directly, distributing flyers and leading conversations on the streets about the importance of education and the growing threat of substance abuse among youths.
“We are here to remind parents of the need to send their children to school,” said Comrade Jamal Apena, Capoon of Katamaran Deck. “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.”
The campaign wasn’t just a symbolic march. It brought raw conversations to the heart of the community. Dr. Olusola S. Adeyemi, the Deck’s Second Mate and project coordinator, emphasized that the programme is part of a larger global mission by the association.
“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,” he said. “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.”
On the NDLEA side, Mr. Isijola Emmanuel, team lead of the Ijebu-Ode Command, praised the effort and long-standing partnership with the Seadogs.
“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 sensitization to the grassroots,” he said. “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.”
Among the crowd, reactions were positive. Pastor Samuel Emmanuel, Vice-Chairman of the NTA Marwa Tricycle Drivers Association Park, called the campaign a “much-needed wake-up call,” pointing out that a lack of direction often pushes young people toward drugs.
Wrapping up the event, Comrade Apena reaffirmed the group’s long-term commitment to grassroots advocacy.
“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 underlines the Pyrates Confraternity’s broader mission to build a fairer, more enlightened society.
