Polaris Bank Backs Media Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Promotes Youth Development

Polaris Bank Backs Media Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Promotes Youth Development

LAGOS, Nigeria – Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to youth development, education, financial literacy, and social responsibility through its support for a media capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening advocacy against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.

The programme, organized by the Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) on June 25 to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, brought together journalists, public health experts, policymakers, students, and anti-drug advocates to discuss the role of the media in promoting a drug-free society.

As part of its contribution to the event, Polaris Bank donated branded items including cable chargers, water bottles, umbrellas, piggy banks, and mathematical sets. The items were distributed to participants and students to encourage financial discipline, support education, and provide practical tools for everyday use.

The event, themed “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy,” was organized by NOMA in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba.

Speaking at the event, NOMA Chairperson, Theresa Moses, commended Polaris Bank for supporting the initiative, describing the gesture as a reflection of the bank’s commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

According to her, the donation went beyond the provision of branded items and demonstrated the bank’s dedication to advancing education, financial literacy, and positive social impact.

“We are sincerely grateful to Polaris Bank for supporting this important programme with branded gift items. Beyond their practical value, these items represent the bank’s commitment to education, financial literacy, youth development, and social impact. Their support contributed significantly to the success of this event,” she said.

Participants at the programme examined strategies for enhancing media advocacy against substance abuse, with discussions focusing on responsible journalism, public awareness campaigns, stigma reduction, and community-based prevention efforts.

Stakeholders highlighted the importance of collaboration among the media, government agencies, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and the private sector in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse.

Polaris Bank’s support for the programme aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility agenda, which prioritizes education, financial inclusion, youth development, and community empowerment.

Organizers noted that sustained partnerships between private sector institutions and civil society groups remain critical to tackling social challenges, promoting informed decision-making, and building a healthier, drug-free society.