On Wednesday June 24th 2015, as part of Gede’s ‘Mental Health Dialogue Programme’, Solape Bamijoko, a Senior Programme Officer with Gede Foundation delivered an insightful presentation on ‘Substance Abuse versus Addiction”

The presentation resulted in a lively exchange of views among those present and focused on an exploration of the causes of substance abuse in an increasingly urbanised Nigeria. Many of the participants reflected on ways in which substance abuse can be tackled at the most appropriate point, including in the home and at school, with a general agreement that although government has a role to play, positive parenting is perhaps the key to a number of pivotal issues. Above all else, however, there were calls to ensure that key stakeholders and personnel are actually able to identify the tell tale signs of abuse and addiction. For further details about Gede’s ‘Mental Health Dialogue Programme’ and to obtain the list of speakers for July 2015 – December 2015, please email Solape Bamijoko (obamijoko@gedefoundation.org)