An NGO, Stella Heart Foundation (SHF) has officially launched its campaign to “Protect, Restore” Kogi youth from substance abuse with a public unveiling in Lokoja themed “Rise Up, Stay Free.”
The event also doubled as the 60th birthday celebration of Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, (FUL).
Founded by Mrs Monisola Ibileye, the foundation unveiled a vision of a Kogi State and ultimately a Nigeria where every young person is free from substance abuse, healthy, empowered, and equipped to build a life of purpose and dignity.
Its mission is to protect young people through evidence-based prevention, community mobilisation, rehabilitation pathways, and economic empowerment, placing the most vulnerable youth at the centre while building institutional capacity that makes Kogi a model for substance abuse response across Nigeria.
Delivering her speech as Executive Director, Mrs. Stella Ibileye said the foundation was inspired by her husband’s concern for humanity and desire to see people live healthier, more productive lives.
“It is with immense gratitude that I stand before you to celebrate the 60th birthday of my beloved husband and anchor. Sixty years is a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace.
“As a husband, father and leader, he has been supportive, a guide, mentor and source of strength.
“That concern for humanity inspired Stella Heart Foundation,” she said.
She charged youths to “choose life, choose health, choose a bright future, stay away from substance abuse. Rise Up and Stay Free,”
She prayed for many more years of health, wisdom and peace for Prof. Ibileye.
Mrs Abimbola Agbogun, Executive Director of Challenge Parenthood Initiative, CPI, described the foundation’s establishment as timely given the high rate of drug abuse.
She assured CPI’s support and urged youths to focus on studies and avoid vices.
The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr Folashade Ayoade, represented by Hon. Oluseyi Eleta, SSA on Fraud and Internet Matters, congratulated Prof. Ibileye on “years of purposeful living.”
She said youth remain society’s greatest asset and pledged government support for initiatives that improve youth well-being, while encouraging the foundation to also address internet fraud.
Dr Adekunle Adeshina, in a presentation titled “Substance Abuse and Its Effects,” warned that one in five teens have tried illicit drugs by age 15, with overdose as the third leading cause of teenage death.
He cited peer pressure and socio-economic status as key drivers, noting children of substance users are 10 times more vulnerable.
Adeshina said substance use can permanently disrupt brain wiring during teenage years, causing cardiovascular issues, kidney disease, memory loss, reduced productivity, anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction.
He identified strong family support, religious values, campus counselling and peer mentorship as protective factors.
“Your future is worth it. Your brain is your greatest asset, protect it. One decision can change your entire life,” he told students, urging them to seek help from parents, teachers or counsellors.
Prof. Gbenga Ibileye thanked participants and stressed that youths must make personal decisions against substance abuse.
The VC urged them to be focused, diligent, disciplined and committed, saying his dream is to develop Federal University Lokoja to greater heights.
With its launch, Stella Heart Foundation enters Kogi’s anti-drug space as a grassroots platform aligned with Governor Ahmed Ododo’s youth development agenda.
