Pyrates Confraternity Leads Nationwide Drive Against Drug Abuse, Homelessness, Out-of-School Children
By Uchenna Ezeadigwe, Awka
In a renewed effort to curb illicit drug use, homelessness, and the growing number of out-of-school children, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, has embarked on a nationwide advocacy and humanitarian campaign across Nigeria and abroad.
The Awka chapter, known as the Honduras Deck, joined the initiative on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with a road walk through major streets and motor parks in Awka. The event, tagged “Street Child Project”, carried the theme Against Drug Abuse and Homelessness, Back to School Project.
Speaking during the awareness rally, President of the Honduras Deck, Engr. Okata Friday, said the campaign aimed to sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the social consequences of homelessness and out-of-school children.
“NAS believes in advocacy and humanitarian service. We are always at the forefront of offering a helping hand where challenges abound,” Okata said.
“Here in Awka, you see children roaming or hawking during school hours. We decided to take our message to the streets and parks to remind parents and guardians of the importance of enrolling children in school—especially now that education is free in some states. We are also calling on the people to stop abusing drugs, which often leads to homelessness.”
He decried the alarming rate of substance abuse among youths, warning that excessive consumption of methamphetamine, marijuana, codeine, “colos,” and alcohol leads to severe mental and neurological disorders.
“Many young people end up with psychological problems because of drug abuse. Parents must guide their children away from drugs and toward education—it remains the key to a meaningful life,” he added.
Also speaking, Mike Nweke Okechukwu, Second Vice President of the Honduras Deck, described the initiative as part of NAS’s simultaneous activities across the 36 states of Nigeria and beyond, aligning with the Millennium Development Goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.
“This campaign coincides with the International Literacy Day and the global effort against out-of-school children. If you walk around, you’ll find many children out of classrooms—this is worrisome. We are taking action in our own little way to curb this menace,” Okechukwu said.
“Drug abuse has destroyed lives—causing crime, liver damage, depression, and accidents. Our goal is to educate the public and save lives.”
In his remarks, Professor Nnaemeka Abamara, a Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Expert, and Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emphasized the devastating health effects of drug abuse.
“Drug addiction can lead to organ failure, infertility, dehydration, and even death,” Prof. Abamara warned.
“Parents must monitor their children’s peers and seek professional help from psychologists when necessary.”
At the Solution Bus Terminal, Aroma, the park chairman, Mr. Oraegbuna Sunday Cornelius, revealed that strict measures were already in place to discourage drug use within the terminal.
“We do not allow children to hawk during school hours, and any driver caught using drugs faces immediate sanctions,” he said, commending the Pyrates for their proactive advocacy.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Transport Company of Anambra State (TRACAS), Mr. Onwudinjo Christopher, said erring drivers would face disciplinary actions, including suspension and expulsion.
Other transport leaders—including Chief Onuorah Nwude of Sanco Park Termsite, and Engr. Ellas Okonkwo, Chairman of Regina Park, Okpuno—commended the NAS initiative and called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and community leaders to sustain the anti-drug and education campaigns.