GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET. MAGODO GRA I, ISHERI, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE.

QUARTERLY REPORT

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

The fourth quarter of the year 2020 (October to December) started with arrangements for the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core and the School-based Specialty Track trainings. These were the training programmes scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year.

Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core training, 5th–10th October 2020 and School- Based Track 30th November–5th December 2020

The UPC Core training was held between 5^th and 10^th of October with a total of 23 participants while the School-based Specialty Track held between 30^th November and 5th of December 2020 had 10 participants. Each of the trainings started with an opening ceremony followed by objectives of the training and breakdown of its activities clearly stated. The Founder/Executive Director GISA, Dr, Martin Agwogie charged participants to be committed to the training and learning. He encouraged them to participate in the various group exercises, presentation and share their experiences. Participants were from both governments, private and non-governmental organisations.

Post Training Evaluation, Pre and Post Test

As in previous trainings, there were pre and post-training assessments to evaluate the knowledge gain by the participants. Post-training evaluation also included evaluation of the training materials, programme contents, knowledge, skills and experience of participants after the training.

Overall Training Experience

Generally, and like previous trainings, participants rated the training high. Some of the words used to describe their general experience includes fantastic, excellent, very educative, quite rewarding, very interactive, rich content materials, insightful with attestation of relevance to their jobs and families. The participants also appreciated the new dimension to delivering substance use prevention interventions. Participants in the school-based specialty track training were particularly excited with highlights on the importance of good classroom climate for prevention intervention, setting policies in schools for substance use prevention, the Prevention Leadership Action Team (PLAT), communication skills and respect for the opinions of others, school connectedness, involvement of stakeholders in substance use prevention in the school setting, and the need to involve students as strategy document creation policy for substance use prevention. However,

some participants pointed out issues related to communication network and inability to interact compared to in persons training.

Participants hope to effect changes in the following areas: shift focus from the students to the school environment and system, not grouping all students together in prevention but considering the universal, selective and indicative populations, not exposing drugs physically and how they are used to the students, involve active participation and skills transfer when relating with students, minimise assumptions instead focus on evidence-based approach to substance use prevention, more conscious of the method of delivery interventions, develop prevention policy, involvement of students and teachers in school substance use prevention from the stage of planning, stop exaggerated messages, develop persuasive speech ahead of meeting with the school authority,

Barriers to Effecting Change

Participants where asked question on what will make change difficult and they identified the following as impediments to the realisation of their objectives: finance, time constraints, challenges associated with collaboration, organisational leadership challenge, stigma associated with substance use, bureaucracy and leadership in organisations and government policies. Some participants in the school-based specialty track requested for more local evidence on effectiveness of the different models exposed to in the training and more training on life skills. Going forward, participants recommended that case studies be x-rayed in subsequent trainings. For instance, a school where school-based intervention has been carried out can be reviewed as a case study. There should be more interactive group activities and need for physical training. Others had words of commendation for GISA such as thanks for the impactful training, well done GISA, keep the good going. Each of the trainings ended with words of encouragement from the Founder/Executive Director of GISA to the participants to go back to their various organisation, community and put into practice the knowledge and skills gained from the trainings. Certificates of participation with credit hours were presented to the participants.

Other Activities of GISA in the Fourth Quarter of 2020

Within the last quarter of 2020, GISA received a grant from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Drug Abuse Prevention Centre (DAPC) Vienna, on substance use prevention among secondary school students of selected public and private schools in Lagos state, Nigeria.

 

The project will be executed in 12 public and 6 private secondary schools in Lagos state for a period of 12 months.

The Founder/ Executive Director GISA who is also the President of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria Chapter), led members of the Association to a virtual Conference/ Annual General Meeting held in October 2020.

Conclusion

The fourth quarter ended with huge relief from apprehension of COVID-19 pandemic which has threatened public gatherings. It also brought hope of conducting training on substance use prevention interventions virtually in Nigeria which is believed will consolidate the capacity building drive of GISA. The coming year is also coming with activities and innovations in delivering evidence-based substance use prevention through the UNODC grant.

 

 GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET. MAGODO GRA I, ISHERI, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

The year 2020 started with great prospects for Global initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA) as arrangements for the continuation of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core and specialty tracks were proposed for the year. Even though this prospect was dimmed early in the year with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, GISA was able to conduct some trainings with innovations.

Trainings

 

Within the first quarter of the year (January to March 2020), two trainings were conducted: the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core course, January 27th – 1^st of February and March 9th – 14^th, 2020.

The second quarter of the year (April – June) was characterized by lockdown and restriction of movements due to COVID- 19 global pandemic. This made it difficult for GISA to organize any training or embark on any activities. It also became difficult to meet the increasing demand for capacity building on evidence-based substance use prevention for which GISA has become a reference point. The period gave GISA the opportunity to think outside the box with the introduction of virtual delivering of trainings. In the 3^rd quarter of the year (July – September), three virtual trainings were conducted: the UPC Core, July 20^th to 25^th and August 17^th to 22^nd, and the workplace substance use prevention, management and policy, September 1^st to 3^rd 2020.

The last quarter of the year witnessed two trainings: the UPC Core, between 5^th and 10^th of October and the school-based speciality track, between 30^th November and 5th of December 2020. A total of 142 drug demand reduction practitioners in Nigeria were impacted in the year 2020 by GISA.

Each of the trainings started with an opening ceremony where the Founder/Executive Director GISA, Dr, Martin Agwogie charged participants to be committed to the training and learning. He encouraged participants to be involve in the various group exercises and share their experiences in line with adult learning principles. Participants in each of the trainings were drawn from both government, private and non-governmental organisations from different parts of the country. Each of the trainings ended with words of encouragement from Dr. Agwogie to the participants to go back to their various operational domains and put into practice the knowledge and skills gained from the trainings. Certificates of participation with credit hours were presented to the participants.

Post Training Evaluation, Pre and Post Test

Each of the trainings started with a pre-test and ended with a post-test. In addition, the training materials and programme contents were also evaluated. In some of the trainings, the facilitators were also independently assessed by the participants with respect to knowledge of the subject

 

matter, delivery skills/supervision, time  management, participant’s engagement, and general demeanor. Details of these are provided in the quarterly reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience of Participants after the Training

 

Broad feedback from each of the trainings were provided on the knowledge, skills and experience gathered at the end of the training. Details of these are provided in the quarterly report and are not significantly different from feedback as documented in the 2019 annual report.

Other activities of GISA for the year

 

In recognition of the efforts of the Founder/Executive Director of GISA, Dr. Martin O. Agwogie through the activities of GISA, he was awarded a Distinguished Humphrey Leadership Fellow and a Fellow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In view of this, he was in the United States within the 1^st quarter of the year. This was immediately followed by his participation at the 63^rd session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria in March 2020. Other activities included paper presentation at the virtual conference of ICUDDR held in July, 2020 where he spoke on UPC implementation in Nigeria: challenges and opportunities prior, during and post COVID-19. GISA also collaborated with the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) on adolescent programme where GISA made a presentation on substance use and skills for prevention. Dr. Agwogie also coordinated and presided over the virtual conference of ISSUP Nigeria Chapter in his capacity as the President. The conference was held in October 2020.

Before end of the year, GISA received a grant approval from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Drug Abuse Prevention Centre (DAPC) Vienna, on substance use prevention among secondary school students of selected public and private schools in Lagos state, Nigeria. The project was expected to be executed in 12 public and 6 private secondary schools in Lagos state for a period of 12 months.

 

Feedback from participants

 

Some of the comments by participants on their overall learning experience from the trainings were, awesome, excellent, great, good, highly informative, stimulating, insightful, highly fulfilling, impressive, superb and more than imagination. The following were highlighted as part of what they liked most about the training; the content of the training materials, the trainers, their dept of knowledge, confidence in delivering prevention interventions, use of prevention terminologies and high level of expertise displayed during the training. Specifically on the workplace training, participants were impressed with knowledge on the business case for substance use prevention in the workplace, drug policy development in the workplace, monitoring and evaluation process, exposure to UNODC workplace policy standard. Similarly, participants in the school-based specialty track training were particularly excited with highlights on the importance of good classroom climate for prevention intervention, setting policies in schools for substance use prevention, the Prevention Leadership Action Team (PLAT), communication skills and respect for the opinions of others, school connectedness, involvement of stakeholders in substance use prevention in the school setting, and the need to involve students as strategy document creation policy for substance use prevention. However, the following were listed among what participants like least about the training: insufficient time, network issues for the virtual trainings and challenges with group coordination unlike the in-person trainings.

While appreciating the GISA team for the great job, participants identified some barriers to putting their knowledge into practice to include: limited policies to support the delivering of evidence- based prevention interventions, lack of management support, limited financial and human resources even among supervisors, the issue of stigma associated with drug use, lack of political

 

will to address drug issues by stakeholders, limited statistical data to support evidence-based prevention interventions and religious beliefs.

Expected Changes and Barriers

 

Participants from each of the trainings expressed the hope to effect changes  following the knowledge gained from the training. With particular reference to the school-based training, participants desire to shift prevention focus from the students to the school environment and system, not grouping all students together in prevention but considering the universal, selective and indicative populations, not exposing drugs physically and how they are used to the students, involve active participation and skills transfer when relating with students, minimise assumptions instead focus on evidence-based approach to substance use prevention, more conscious of the method of delivery interventions, develop prevention policy, involvement of students and teachers in school substance use prevention from the stage of planning, stop exaggerated messages, develop persuasive speech ahead of meeting with the school authority. Despite these optimisms, participants identified the following as impediments to these realisations: finance, time constraints, challenges associated with collaboration, organisational leadership challenge, stigma associated with substance use, bureaucracy and leadership in organisations and government policies. Furthermore, some participants requested for more local evidence on effectiveness of the different models exposed to in the training and more training on life skills.

Conclusion

 

The year 2020 was a challenging one. The COVID-19 pandemic came at a time when GISA was already consolidating its capacity build initiatives with great interest across the country. However, the transition from in-person training to virtual training arising from the COVID-19 pandemic with the successes recorded was very encouraging and demonstrate the need to consolidate virtual

 

training. While the virtual training came with some challenges such as network issues, limited time and inability to interact more as the case with the in-person training, some benefits were recorded such as travel inconveniences and cost associated with in-person training. The number of participants also demonstrated the eagerness to be part of the GISA capacity building project. We shall continue to improve on the virtual training delivering and conduct in-person training as it becomes necessary and feasible.

 

 GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET. MAGODO GRA I, ISHERI, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE.

 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

The third quarter of the year 2020 (July – September) started with extra preparations for the first virtual training by GISA on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) which was the first of its kind. Different channels were used to inform the public on the transition from in-person to virtual training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Third quarter trainings were scheduled as follows:

 

1. 1. Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC), July 20^th to 25^th

1. 2. Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC), August 17^th to 22^nd

1. 3. Workplace Substance Use Prevention, Management, and Policy, September 1^st to 3^rd 2020

 

Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) July 20th to 25th 2020

 

The first UPC virtual training attracted thirty (30) participants. It was a great encouragement for GISA and an acknowledgment of the yearnings for capacity on evidence-based substance use prevention from GISA.

The training started on the 20^th of July 2020 with an opening ceremony followed by objectives of the training and a breakdown of its activities. During the opening ceremony, the participants introduced themselves and asked questions of interest. The training was carried out by GISA resource persons, including the Founder/Executive Director of GISA, Dr. Martin O. Agwogie.

Like the previous UPC trainings, the objectives of the training were to provide participants with requisite Evidence-Based (EB) knowledge, skills, and competencies for substance use prevention. The training materials consisted of ten modules, the physiology, and pharmacology of psychoactive substances, which introduces necessary information on psychoactive substances and effects on the brain and human body; the critical themes of the Universal Prevention Curriculum; prevention science; critical theories in prevention; evidence-based prevention interventions and policies; the

 

implementation cycle; skills and competencies for prevention professionals; code of ethics for prevention professionals and application of the training to professional practice and development. The training ended on the 25th of July 2020.

The success of the first training and the excitement by participants raised hope for continued UPC virtual trainings during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently.

Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) August 17th to 22nd 2020

 On the 17^th of August 2020 the second UPC virtual training started with an opening ceremony and ended on the 22nd of August 2020 with a closing ceremony and presentation of certificates.

Like the previous virtual training, the opening ceremony was used to introduce participants to what the UPC is about as well as the expectations of participants at the training. Participants also used the period to introduce themselves and asked questions.

Workplace Substance Use Prevention, Management, and Policy, September 1st to 3rd 2020

After the August UPC Core training, preparation continued for the second batch of training on substance use prevention, management, and policy in the workplace organised by GISA which was also the first virtual training to be conducted by GISA on Workplace prevention. All the requirements were put in place by GISA for the success of the training. On the 1st of September 2020, the training was kickstarted by an opening ceremony which was coordinated by GISA with a total number of 16 participants. During the opening ceremony, all participants were able to introduce themself and got to know one another. The training started immediately after the opening ceremony.

The training consisted of introduction to workplace prevention interventions, a national and global overview of substance use, physiology, and pharmacology of psychoactive substances, implication of pharmacology & physiology of psychoactive substances for prevention, an overview of the problem of substance use in the workplace, the role of workplace in substance use prevention, workplace risk and protective factors for substance use, justifications for substance use prevention in the workplace, cultural context of workplace in the society, workplace individuals and family connections, specific workplace characteristics and substance use, workplace protective characteristics, why workplace is an important setting for substance use prevention programme, the ‘’business case’’ for workplace substance use prevention, drug testing in the context of a comprehensive approach to substance use prevention in the workplace, key components and development of workplace substance use prevention policies, harm reduction, drug free workplace, overview of UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention, implementing and adapting workplace-based programmes, overview of the International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines on management of alcohol and drug-related issues in the workplace, monitoring and evaluations of evidence-based substance use prevention programme outcomes and the significances, identifying, and providing help to an employee with substance use disorder. The training was a successful one and a great achievement to GISA.

Other activities by GISA

 Within the period, the Founder/Executive Director presented a paper at the virtual conference of ICUDDR held between July 13^th and 15^th, 2020. He spoke on UPC implementation in Nigeria: challenges and opportunities prior, during, and post COVID-19. The presentation was followed by a panel session with 2 other colleagues from Nigeria, Prof. Bola A. Ola, and Dr. Ehigiator Adayonfo. The Founder/Executive Director also coordinated and presided over the virtual conference of the ISSUP Nigeria Chapter in his capacity as the President. The conference was held on the 20^th of October 2020

    Post Training Evaluation Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core. Evaluation of Training Materials and Programme Contents for July and August 2020

STATEMENT	Strongly Agree: f (%)	Agree: f (%)	Undecided: f (%)	Disagree: f (%)	Strongly Disagree: f (%)
The training objectives are clearly stated and measurable	33 (89.19)	4(10.81)	0.00	0.00
The course content is consistent with the training objectives and outcomes	31 (83.78)	6 (16.22)	0.00	0.00
The course content provides up to date information	25 (67.57)	9 (24.32)	3 (8.11)	0.00
The course content is relevant to my work	27 (72.97)	10 (27.03)	0.00	0.00
The number of modules is sufficient to achieve the objectives of the goal	24 (64.86)	13(35.14)	0.00	0.00
The sequence of the module is organized and easy to follow	21 (56.76)	14 (37.83)	2 (5.41)	0.00
The training methodology used promote maximum learning experience	19 (51.35)	15 (40.54)	3 (8.11)	0.00
The training activities reinforce the learning of important concept	27 (72.97)	10 (27.03)	0.00	0.00
Training approach is well-balanced in terms of contents, activities and interaction	24 (64.86)	10 (27.03)	2 (5.41)	1 (2.70)
The time allotted is sufficient to cover the topics and exercises in the module	10 (27.03)	10 (27.03)	5 (13.51)	12 (32.43)
Sufficient time is allotted to accommodate trainees’ enquiries	16 (43.24)	12 (32.44)	5 (13.51)	4 (10.81)
Training materials are adequate and useful	19 (51.35)	16 (43.24)	2 (5.41)	0.00
The illustration used is relevant and reinforce important concepts	24 (64.86)	10 (27.03)	3 (8.11)	0.00
The graphics are culturally appropriate	21 (56.76)	13 (35.13)	3 (8.11)	0.00
The training has stimulated and provided me with new insights and knowledge about substance use prevention	31 (83.78)	6 (16.22)	0.00	0.00
I feel better equipped to provide evidence-based substance use prevention	28 (75.68)	9 (24.32)	0.00	0.00
I believe this training will be useful in my work environment	25 (67.57)	12 (32.43)	0.00	0.00
This training has stimulated me to inform others about what I have learnt in these past days	21 (56.76)	16 (43.24)	0.00	0.00
I have learnt new things that I feel I will be able to pass onto others	25 (67.57)	12 (32.43)	0.00	0.00

 

I feel more capable to discussing substance abuse prevention with people and organizations in this field

24 (64.87)

12 (32.43)

1 (2.70)

0.00

.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience of Participants after the Training

 

S/N	Please grade accordingly:	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor
i.	Communication/Information prior to the training	13 (35.13)	14 (37.84)	8 (21.62)	2 (5.41)
ii.	Group Selection (Participants)	15 (40.54)	16 (43.24)	4 (10.81)	2 (5.41)
iii.	Cost for the training (comparatively)	9 (24.32)	17 (45.95)	8 (21.62)	3 (8.11)
iv.	Technical Inputs	13 (35.13)	14 (37.84)	6 (16.21)	4 (10.81)

Feedback from participants

 Some of the comments by participants on their overall learning experience from the training were, awesome, excellent, great, good, highly informative, stimulating, insightful, highly fulfilling, impressive, superb and more than imagination. The following were highlighted as part of what they liked most about the training; the content of the training materials, the trainers, their dept of knowledge, use of prevention terminologies and high level of expertise displayed during the training course content. However, the following were listed among what participants like least about the training: insufficient time, network issues and challenges with group coordination unlike the in-person trainings.

While appreciating the GISA team for the great job, participants identified some barriers to putting their knowledge into practice to include: limited policies to support the delivering of evidence- based prevention interventions, lack of management support, limited financial and human resources even among supervisors, the issue of stigma associated with drug use, lack of political will to address drug issues by stakeholders, limited statistical data to support evidence-based prevention interventions and religious beliefs.

Workplace Training programme content: Evaluation of Training Materials and Programme Contents for September 2020 training

STATEMENT	Strongly Agree: f (%)	Agree: f (%)	Undecided: f (%)	Disagree: f (%)	Strongly Disagree: f (%)
The training objectives are clearly stated and measurable	10 (83.33)	2 (16.67)
The course content is consistent with the training objectives and outcomes	10 (83.33)	2 (16.67)
The course content provides up to date information	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
The course content is relevant to my work	9 (75)	2 (16.67)	1 (8.33)
The number of modules is sufficient to achieve the objectives of the goal	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
The sequence of the module is organized and easy to follow	9 (75)	3 (25)
The training methodology used promote maximum learning experience	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
The training activities reinforce the learning of important concept	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
Training approach is well-balanced in terms of contents, activities and interaction	7 (58.33)	4 (33.33)	1 (8.33)
The time allotted is sufficient to cover the topics and exercises in the module	5 (41.67)	5 (41.67)	2 (16.67)
Sufficient time is allotted to accommodate trainees’ enquiries	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
Training materials are adequate and useful	8 (66.67)	3 (25)	1 (8.33)
The illustration used is relevant and reinforce important concepts	8 (66.67)	4 (33.33)
The graphics are culturally appropriate	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
The training has stimulated and provided me with new insights and knowledge about substance use prevention	9 (75)	3 (25)
I feel better equipped to provide evidence based substance use prevention	9 (75)	3 (25)
I believe this training will be useful in my work environment	10 (83.33)	2 (16.67)
This training has stimulated me to inform others about what I have learnt in these past days	11 (91.67)	1 (8.33)
I have learnt new things that I feel I will be able to pass onto others	12 (100)

I feel more capable to discussing substance abuse prevention with people and organizations in this field

9 (75)

3 (25)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience of Participants after the Training

S/N	Please grade accordingly:	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor
i.	Communication/Information prior to the training	7 (58.33)	5 (41.67)
ii.	Group Selection (Participants)	7 (58.33)	4 (33.33)	1(8.33)
iii.	Cost for the training (comparatively)	4 (33.33)	3 (25)	5 (41.67)
iv.	Technical Inputs	5 (41.67)	5 (41.67)	2 (16.66)

Feedback from participants

 The following words were used by participants to describe their learning experience: great, very satisfactory, excellent, good, insightful and informative, very good, fantastic, educative and impactive. One of the participants puts it this way, I was wondering how it was going to look like, but when we started, it was an eye opening. The materials provided are wonderful, each group was up to the task. Another participant noted, my overall experience about substance abuse prevention as gone higher. The training increases my confidence in the field of substance abuse prevention interventions in the workplace.

Participants identified the following as part of what they liked most about the training: the bringing together of people of like minds who are looking forward to a drug free nation, the business case for substance use prevention in the workplace, drug policy development in the workplace, monitoring and evaluation process, allowing participants to be part of the training, exposure to UNODC workplace policy standard, the effective communication, more confidence in delivering prevention interventions particularly in the workplace, human disposition and the mode of delivery by the facilitators.

 

The following were the areas highlighted by the participants that they liked least, the inability to come together in an in-person training, more explanation on drug policy development in the workplace, limited time, network fluctuations. Most of the participants, however, noted that everything was fantastic with the following words of commendations for GISA. Excellent job by the facilitators, it was worthwhile. The training is relevant, extremely rewarding and timely, God bless GISA. Some participants recommended quarterly training programme on the topic to expand capacity.

 

Conclusion

 The transition from in-person training to virtual training arising from the COVID-19 pandemic with the successes recorded was very encouraging and demonstrate the need to consolidate virtual training. While the virtual training came with some challenges such as network issues, limited time and inability to interact more as the case with the in-person training, some benefits were recorded such as travel inconveniences and cost associated with in-person training. The number of participants also demonstrated the eagerness to be part of the GISA capacity building project. We shall continue to improve on the virtual training delivering and conduct in-person training as it becomes necessary and feasible.

 GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET. MAGODO GRA I, ISHERI, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE.

 

 

 

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

The year 2019 started on a high note and with great expectations for the commencement of the Universal Prevention Curriculum for Substance Use Disorders (UPC) trainings in Nigeria. The training started with the training of national trainers held between January 15 and 24, 2019. The commencement of the UPC training was historic and with so much excitement coming six years after the first attempt to introduce UPC in Nigeria. The training started with opening ceremony witnessed by dignitaries from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development, among others. Participants at the training were professors and Doctor of medicine, psychology and guidance counselling, pharmacists, lecturers and principals of secondary schools. Experts in drug demand reduction from the drug law enforcement and regulatory agencies like the NDLEA and NAFDAC, representatives of State Drug Control Committees and Ministries of Education and Youth Development were also in attendance. The faith-based organizations were not left out. Equally represented were experts in drug demand reduction from the Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organizations as well as the youth population. The training was organized by Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA) in collaboration with The Colombo Plan, Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States. It was the first and comprehensive evidence-based substance use prevention training in Nigeria. Within the year (July), the 40 national trainers also received training on school-based specialty track of the UPC.

Within the year under review, 10 batches of UPC trainings were conducted with a total of 158 practitioners imparted on evidence-based substance use prevention in Nigeria. One of the trainings was dedicated to the training of selected secondary school principals in Lagos state. The training was held between 5^th and 11^th of May 2019. The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the Lagos State Ministry of Education led by the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District 1, Dr. Yinka Ayandele. It was the first and all-inclusive evidence-based substance use prevention training organized for secondary school principals in Lagos state, Nigeria. It was conducted at relatively no cost to the participants.

National Training of Trainers on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) School-Based Specialty Track

Following the success of the commencement of the UPC core training in Nigeria, GISA in collaboration with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme with the support of Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States commenced the school track training of trainers with 40 national trainers. The training, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria started with an opening ceremony witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education who was represented by the Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Lami Amodu, the Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consular General Lagos, Mr. Russell Brooks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services Lagos State Ministry of Health and Chairman Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, Dr. Moyosore Adejumo, the Chairman Lagos State Teaching Service Board who was represented by the Director, Teachers Education and Capacity Development Mr. Kehinde S. Oladosu,  representative of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Education District 1, among other dignitaries. Since then, GISA has extended the school track UPC training to practitioners

       Mr. Kehinde S. Oladosu, Mr. Russell Brooks and Dr. Martin Agwogie

Knowledge, Skills and Experience of Participants After the Training

The feedback on the knowledge, skills and experience gathered from the participants at the end of the training includes:

• the importance of Evidence Based Intervention (EBI) for substance use disorders
• skills to develop when engaging in evidence-based prevention and the importance of these skills which are the missing link in substance use prevention
• the importance of planning, monitoring and evaluation of interventions in substance use prevention
• the consequences of gut feelings in substance use prevention
• the need for resource assessment through data gathering/research to kick start any prevention process. And how to identify needs and resources in a community
• the need for professional code of ethics and professionalism in drug demand reduction
• better understanding and coming to terms with happenings around community
• better decision-making process through the implementation cycle
• Knowledge about the developmental stages of children, school-based interventions and how to introduce substance use prevention in the school settings
• how to introduce an evidence-based intervention into an existing programme
• importance of fidelity in the implementation of evidence-based programmes
• parenting and teaching of pro-social skills in place of just “say no to drug” approach
• different prevention theories and applications
• learnt about different coping skills
• identify methods, strength and sustainability of interventions
• the importance early prevention intervention
• learnt not to focus on the negative aspect of substance use but on improving decision making and life-skills
• how to identify target population (universal, selective or indicated)
• how to select and build team for effective intervention
• better informed about substance use and different prevention strategies
• informed about helping persons who use drugs out of their substance use without subjecting them to punishment.
• understood that prevention science is key to the reduction of substance use in the community
• gained confidence to talk about prevention of substance use using evidence-based approach
• the need to increase professional teamwork and analytical skills
• importance of the enforcement of policies in substance use prevention
• better understanding of the behavioural patterns of individual
• how to diffuse information on substance use to public without causing harm.

 Things to Change Based on Training Experience

Trainees listed things they would like to change based on their experience from the training:

• change perception about drug use and persons who use drugs
• change orientation on how to provide intervention
• change knowledge about and the importance of parenting skills
• positively convince boss/supervisors on evidence-based substance use prevention interventions
• change the way prevention activities have been conducted in the past such as style and language of sensitization or programme implementation
• avoid the use of scare tactics but teaching necessary skills
• follow the implementation circle religiously
• positive mindset not to do harm to clients but do good
• change approach to monitoring and evaluation by ensuring proper monitoring from the beginning to the last stage of intervention
• implement intervention with fidelity and with ethical standards
• improve interpersonal skills among youths
• change the initial mind-set of getting substance users arrested as deterrent. Instead, provide help/referral for treatment and counselling services.
• avoid using persons in recovering from substance use during prevention intervention.
• change people’s perception about substance use
• change in the orientation and strategies on how to provide interventions for different population of drug users
• improve personal parenting skills
• build the confidence of colleagues and encourage them to use evidence-based approach in tackling substance use issues
• lay more emphasis on skills rather than mentioning names of substance and their consequences
• modify content delivered to different age bracket
• change strategies on empowering teachers and counsellors to implement substance use prevention in schools
• allocate more time for interaction and case study as against just passing information
• avoid generalisation and assumptions of the use of substance, and gut feelings.
• improve on the use of appropriate terminologies in disseminating information on substance use

 

Difficulties Facing Change and Use of Experience

Participants also outlined some difficulties or challenges that they might face applying the new knowledge and skills in their workplace. These include:

• limited financial resources to support continuous training
• lack of cooperation of colleagues, superiors/supervisors
• issues related to culture of target audience and community
• being conservative on usual pattern of delivery
• difficulties in getting colleagues to support evidence-based prevention intervention
• challenges with some school policies
• challenges with government policies
• apathy to new initiatives and change
• existing systems
• bureaucracy and protocols in different settings
• difficulties in getting the approval of the community members
• long procedure before delivering interventions
• impatient of sponsors/donors
• work environment could pose a challenge to using evidence-based prevention skills and knowledge gained
• spiritual interpretation of substance use by some group of persons
• difficulties in establishing collaboration with practitioners and professionals for programme implementation
• limited number of persons who have acquired knowledge and skills on evidence-based prevention intervention

 

Overall Training Experience

Overall review of participants’ experiences shows that most of the participants indicated that:

• the training was interactive, enlightening, exciting, impactful, great, wonderful, fun, impressive and worth the while
• participants were able to have better understanding of new concepts
• participants had new knowledge on Evidence Based Interventions (EBI) and how to implement them after training was acquired
• the knowledge on substance prevention was worth the time
• exposure to prevention and implementation of substance use prevention programmes was educating and refreshing
• the method of delivery was adequate; trainers were very competent
• training was well organized
• facilitators were able to differentiate treatment from prevention
• the training venue and curriculum were excellent and relevant, strict and effective time management,
• the combination of facilitators was very good as they complement each other
• learnt a lot and looking forward to more trainings in GISA
• GISA need to be commended and urged to continue educating the society on substance use and prevention as their effort will ultimately erase the pervading ignorance in the society; and organizing this training in other parts of the country.
• thank you so much for this rare opportunity of learning from the experts, GISA staff, and fellow participants
• the program is intensive, immersive and amazing.
• they emphasize on the method of delivery which was immensely satisfactory and enjoyable

         Table 1:   Annual Training Programme Content: Evaluation of Training Materials                                                  and Programme Contents for 2019 Training

STATEMENT	Strongly Agree: f (%)	Agree: f (%)	Undecided: f (%)	Disagree: f (%)	Strongly Disagree: f (%)
The training objectives are clearly stated and measurable	106 (80.91)	25 (19.09)
The course content is consistent with the training objectives and outcomes	102 (77.86)	29 (22.14)
The course content provides up to date information	85 (64.88)	42 (32.07)	4 (3.05)
The course content is relevant to my work	93 (70.99)	36 (27.48)	2 (1.53)
The number of modules is sufficient to achieve the objectives of the goal	76 (58.02)	49 (37.40)	6 (4.58)
The sequence of the module is organized and easy to follow	90 (68.71)	38 (29.00)	3 (2.29)
The training methodology used promote maximum learning experience	84 (64.13)	47 (35.87)
The training activities reinforce the learning of important concept	98 (74.81)	32 (24.43)	1 (0.76)
Training approach is well-balanced in terms of contents, activities and interaction	94 (71.76)	36 (27.48)	1 (0.76)
The time allotted is sufficient to cover the topics and exercises in the module	45 (34.36)	63 (48.09)	12 (9.16)	10 (7.63)	1 (0.76)
Sufficient time is allotted to accommodate trainees’ enquiries	57 (43.51)	58 (44.28)	15 (11.45)	1 (0.76)
Training materials are adequate and useful	94 (71.76)	33 (25.19)	3 (2.29)	1 (0.76)
The illustration used is relevant and reinforce important concepts	89 (67.94)	40 (30.54)	2 (1.52)
The graphics are culturally appropriate	56 (42.75)	60 (45.80)	14 (10.69)	1(0.76)
The training has stimulated and provided me with new insights and knowledge about substance use prevention	113 (86.26)	18 (13.74)
I feel better equipped to provide evidence-based substance use prevention	86 (65.65)	40 (30.54)	5 (3.81)
I believe this training will be useful in my work environment	103 (78.63)	27 (20.61)	1 (0.67)
This training has stimulated me to inform others about what I have learnt in these past days	102 (77.86)	27 (20.61)	2 (1.53)
I have learnt new things that I feel I will be able to pass onto others	107 (81.68)	23 (17.56)	1 (0.76)
I feel more capable to discussing substance abuse prevention with people and organizations in this field	95 (72.52)	35 (26.72)	1 (0.76)

  A. Summary of evaluation of trainers

1. 

       Figure 1: Facilitators’ Proficiency level

       SCALE: Developing = 0 – 25%; Adequate= 25 – 50%; Approaching Proficiency= 50 –       75%; Proficient= 75 – 100%.

Result from figure 1 shows that all the facilitators had mean scores of between 89.32% and 95.91%. That means the facilitators are proficient in the UPC trainings.

 

At the end of each of the trainings, participants received certificates with credit hours.

Comments and Suggestion

Participants also had a word for the facilitators. Most of them agreed that the facilitators gave room for trainee’s participation and skilled delivery method with strict and effective time management. Others stated that the trainers are very competent, nothing that the trainings were well organized with facilitators being able to differentiate between treatment and prevention. They also commended GISA for the conducive learning environment. However, some wanted more time for the presentations so that those who are new in the field of drug demand reduction can assimilate better. They also requested that more time be allocated for participants-facilitators interactions for more practical learning experiences.

Lessons Learnt from the UPC Trainings

Every training provides opportunity to learn from participants and improve on previous lessons. The broad expertise of participants from different professional backgrounds in addition to the method of delivery of the modules fetched new lessons. The group work brought about creativity and different perspective that may not have been envisaged. Similarly, new dimension of teamwork in substance use prevention was introduced. For example, module 8 which is on “The Implementation Cycle: Skills, Competences for Prevention Professionals” brought to bear the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the participants within the first few days of the training. They were able to appreciate the need for collectiveness in addressing the issues of substance use in the community. The exercises demonstrated the importance of needs and resource assessment in substance use prevention. More often, emphasis is on the needs with little or no attention to resources within the community. The exercises also conveyed the uniqueness of each community, maximum utilisation of limited resources, and ability to identify the target population for intervention. Each community for each of the trainings have sufficiently demonstrated consistencies in identifying the needs and resources within their communities as well as plan interventions.

Similarly, participants in every of the trainings have come up with different strategies to communicate experiences from the training to their colleagues and supervisors based on the peculiarity of their work environment. These have become great lessons. The developers of this Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for substance use disorders must be commended for the well-researched and developed curriculum for substance use prevention. The curriculum has proven its uniqueness in capacity building for evidence-based substance use prevention. There are observations from the participants, which we believe, will add value to the curriculum. These will be communicated through the appropriate channel for consideration in the subsequent review.

  Other Trainings By GISA in 2019

Training on Evidence-based Workplace Substance Use Prevention and Management for CBN and NPA Staff

Within the year under review, GISA in collaboration with 17 Goals Africa Initiative trained senior management staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) on evidence-based workplace substance use prevention, management and policy. At the opening ceremony, Dr. Martin Agwogie highlighted the significance of the training and called on organizations, private and public, to emulate CBN and NPA towards addressing the burden of drug use and abuse among this critical population. Above all he called on the federal government to engage experts in workplace substance use prevention and management to develop national policy on drug free workplace in Nigeria.

Participants at the training for CBN and NPA staff, 6^th to 8^th Nov., 2019 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos state

Training on the Concept of Evidence-based Drug and Substance Use Prevention for Lagos State Ministry of Health, December 3^rd and 4^th, 2019

The last training of the year, 2019 was in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee. Participants in the two days training on the concept of evidence-based drug and substance use prevention were health professionals and teachers drawn from different parts of Lagos state. At the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos state Ministry of health Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, encouraged participants to take advantage of the training and reflect the knowledge gained during the training in their daily activities. The opening ceremony was witnessed by the Director Pharmaceutical Services Lagos State Ministry of Health and Chairman Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, Pharm. (Dr.) Moyosore Adejumo, the Director, Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Mosun Beckley among others.

Group Picture of Participants at the Training with Lagos State Government

Facilitators

Facilitators in most of the trainings were, the Founder/Executive Director of GISA and National Coordinator UPC, Dr. Martin Agwogie, Prof. Bola Ola, Mrs. Maria Ilugbuhi, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, Mr. Isaac Olatunde, Mr. Remilekun Taiwo, Mr. Olatunji Erinjogunola, and Ms. Sandra Anyahaebi.

 Other Activities

Beyond UPC trainings, GISA engaged in other activities within the year including the provision of consultancy services in the area of substance use prevention, treatment and policies. The Founder/Executive Director, Dr. Martin Agwogie granted press interviews with different media houses including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lagos Television (LTV), Guardian Newspaper, The New Telegraph, Thisday Newspaper among others. Dr. Agwogie was also invited as a Keynote speaker at the Symposium on Drug and Substance Abuse in Nigeria organized by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy in Collaboration with The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

 

Receiving Appreciation Award from the Chairman NAP, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR)

In his capacity as the president of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria Chapter), Dr. Agwogie led a team of Nigerian representatives to the 5^th Global ISSUP conference in Vienna, Austria where he also participated in the training of global trainers in Drug Demand Reduction. Relatedly and as part of GISA advocacy mandate for the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR), Dr. Agwogie attended the 4^th ICUDDR Conference in Cusco, Peru (July 22^nd and 23^rd, 2019). Similarly, Dr. Agwogie attended the ICUDDR Africa Catalytic Meeting held in Addis Ababa (September 3^rd and 4^th, 2019) where he chaired the session. At the meeting, Dr. Agwogie was elected the Assistance Coordinator of ICUDDR in Africa. This was in recognition of his support for the development and professionalization of drug demand reduction in Africa.

At the ICUDDR Conference in Cusco, Peru

 

At the ICUDDR Africa Catalytic Meeting in Addis Ababa

 Awards

Within the period, GISA also recognised notable individuals with different categories of awards such as, award of Excellence for a Drug Free Society, award of Excellence in Drug Demand Reduction, GISA Drug Free Ambassadors, GISA Youth Drug Free Ambassadors (GYDFA), Friends of GISA among others.

GISA Youth Drug Free Ambassador, Mr. Emmanuel T. Daike being presented certificate of induction

 

Conclusion

The commencement of UPC training in Nigeria is not a mean feet. It is obvious that with the commencement of UPC, strategies for substance use prevention in Nigeria will no longer be the same. GISA expresses her appreciation to the facilitators for their commitment to the delivery of quality trainings, to our partners for believing in us and to our participants for encouraging us with words of commendation and commitment to doing good and no harm. To all our vendors and everyone, we say thank you.

The achievement recorded in the first year of this initiative is a positive sign of what to expect in the year 2020. We look forward to collaborations with government, non-government, private and relevant stakeholders in the field of drug demand reduction to deliver evidence-based substance use prevention capacity building in Nigeria. One sure way to address the multifaceted challenges of substance use is to develop comprehensive evidence-based substance use prevention across different settings such as family, community, workplace, school, primary health care centre, media among others.

 

We hope to expand our scope of trainings in 2020 to meet the yearnings for capacity building in evidence-based substance use prevention in Nigeria.

 

 

GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

 

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET, MAGODO ESTATE PHASE I, ISHERI, LAGOS STATE

 

QUARTERLY REPORT
APRIL – JUNE, 2020

 

The second quarter of the year 2020 (April – June) was characterized by lockdown and restriction of movements due to COVID- 19 global pandemic. This made it difficult for Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA) to organize any training or embark on any activities. It also became difficult to meet the increasing demand for capacity building on evidence-based substance abuse prevention for which GISA has become a reference point. In order to respond positively to the needs, challenges of COVID-19 and comply with its protocols, the second quarter was used to strategies for the third quarter. Measures were put in place to transit from in-person to virtual trainings. By the first week of June, arrangements were concluded, and the first virtual training was scheduled for July 20th to 25th, 2020. By the end of the second quarter, we had received over 20 applications for the virtual training.

 

While planning for the third quarter, GISA also made use of the period to reach out to participants in the previous UPC trainings to check on them and do some form of virtual recap using the WhatsApp platform and Zoom. This was to encourage them and refresh their memories on knowledge and skills acquired during the trainings. It was also an opportunity to test run the proposed commencement of virtual trainings. We look forward to the first virtual UPC training and the learning experience in the third quarter of the year as we work through the challenges of COVID-19 in the coming months.

 

GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

 

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET, MAGODO ESTATE PHASE I, ISHERI, LAGOS STATE

 

QUARTERLY REPORT
JANUARY – MARCH, 2020

 

INTRODUCTION

The year 2020 started with great prospects for Global initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA) as arrangements for the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders Training of Practitioners were being made. Two training programmes were scheduled for the first quarter (January to March 2020). These were:

1. Training of Practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, January 27th – 1st of February 2020.
2. Training of Practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, March 9th – 14th, 2020

Training of Practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, January 27th – February 1st, and March 9th – 14th, 2020

Total participants in the two trainings conducted in the first quarter of the year was 42. The trainings were conducted at GISA facility at No. 17 Ayodele Fanoiki Street, Magodo Estate Phase 1, Isheri, Lagos State. Each of the trainings started with an opening ceremony where the Founder/Executive Director GISA, Dr, Martin Agwogie charged participants to be committed to the training and learning. He encouraged them to participate in the various group exercises and share their experiences in line with adult learning principles. Participants were from both government, private and non-governmental organisations from different parts of the country.*******

 

 One of the Group Exercises   

Celebrating birthday with one of the participants

Presentation of certificate

 Presentation of certificate  

 

Post Training Evaluation, Pre and Post Test

In each of the trainings, there were pre-tests and post-tests. In addition, the training materials and programme contents were evaluated (Table I). Five of the trainers who facilitated in the two trainings were also independently assessed by the participants with respect to knowledge of the subject matter, delivery skills/supervision, time management, participant’s engagement, and general demeanor (Table 2).

Table 2

 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience of Participants after the Training

The feedback on the knowledge, skills and experience gathered from participants at the end of the training includes:

• The significance of planning, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of interventions
• How to identify needs and resources in a community
• Professional code of ethics and the need for professionalism in the field of drug demand reduction
• Better understanding of community variables in prevention
• Better decision-making process in delivering evidence-based interventions
• The credibility in fidelity with respect to the implementation of evidence-based programmes.
• The importance of research in substance use prevention
• The need for early intervention.
• How to identify target population, community assessment and those who constitute “my dream team”.

 

Each of the trainings ended with words of encouragement from the Founder/Executive Director of GISA to the participants to go back to their various operational domains and put into practice the knowledge and skills gained from the trainings. Certificates of participation with credit hours were presented to the participants.

. 

Other activities of GISA in the first quarter of 2020

In recognition of the efforts of the Founder/Executive Director of GISA, Dr. Martin O. Agwogie through the activities of GISA, he was awarded a Distinguished Humphrey Leadership Fellow. In view of this Dr. Agwogie completed three weeks program in United States between January and February 2020. This includes an executive leadership course at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, professional affiliation and meetings with experts in the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), White House Office of the National Drug Control Policy, the State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the University of Maryland Center for Substance Abuse Research.

In a similar development, Dr. Agwogie attended the 63rd  session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria 2nd  to 6th of March 2020. He participated in the training of selected NGO leaders across the globe on supporting civil society organizations to provide evidence-based interventions as one of the sidelines of CND.

 

Conclusion

The first quarter of the year ended with apprehension on the COVID-19 pandemic which has threatened public gatherings and trainings in the coming quarters. Despite that, GISA is desirous of providing evidence-based substance abuse prevention through any possible and impactful means.

 

 

GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

 

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET, MAGODO ESTATE PHASE I, ISHERI, LAGOS STATE

 

QUARTERLY REPORT
OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2019

 

INTRODUCTION

The last quarter of the year (October – December, 2019) consolidated the training activities of GISA from January to September, 2019 among other activities. The first part of the quarter was devoted to supporting the Founder/Executive Director, Dr. Martin Agwogie who is also the president of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP Nigeria chapter) in the preparation for the formal inauguration of ISSUP Nigeria Chapter. The inauguration of the association and the first annual general meeting was held on the 17th of October 2019 at Chelsea Hotel Abuja, Nigeria.

Four training programmes were scheduled for the fourth quarter:

1. The School Based Track of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, October 21st – 26th, 2019.

2. Training on evidence based workplace substance abuse prevention and management for staff of Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigerian Port Authority, November 6th – 8th, 2019.

3. Echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, November 25th – 30th, 2019.
4. Training on the concept of evidence based drug and substance abuse prevention for Lagos

state Ministry of Health and the Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, December 4th – 5th, 2019.

School Based Track of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, October 21st – 26th, 2019

The first comprehensive School Based specialty track training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for substance use disorders in Nigeria was held between October 21st and 26th, 2019 with 11 participants drawn from various professional fields and among those who have received the UPC Core Course. The success of the first comprehensive school based specialty track oiled GISA strategies for subsequent activities for the first quarter of 2020.

Training on Evidence-based Workplace Substance Abuse Prevention and Management for CBN and NPA Staff, November 6th – 8th 2019

From 6th to 8th of November 2019, GISA in collaboration with 17 Goals Africa Initiative trained senior management staff of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) on evidence-based workplace substance abuse prevention, management and policy. The training was held at Sheraton hotel ikeja, Lagos state. At the opening ceremony, Dr. Martin Agwogie gave a rundown of expectations at the training, which includes the physiology and pharmacology of psychoactive substances; problems of substance use in the workplace; the relationship between individuals, families and workplace; risk and protective factors for substance use among employees; the business case for substance use prevention in the workplace; components of and development of substance use prevention policies in the workplace; implementation, monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based substance abuse prevention in the workplace; identification and management of employees with substance use disorders among other topics. He also highlighted the significance of the training. He noted that, “the challenges of substance abuse which has attained a frightening dimension in Nigeria must be addressed from all sides including the workplace and among the workforce considering the importance of this sector in the development of the national economy. While drugs and

substance abuse affects all age groups, the age group of 25 to 39 years is the most affected in Nigeria. Incidentally, this is one of the most important age bracket in the workforce. Despite this huge burden, there is no national policy on drug free workplace in Nigeria. Most organizations don’t have idea of what drug free workplace policy means and the justifications for it”.

Dr. Agwogie called on organizations, private and public, to emulate CBN and NPA towards addressing the burden of drug use and abuse among this critical population. Above all, “the federal government should engage experts in workplace substance abuse prevention and management to develop national policy on drug free workplace in Nigeria”..

Participants at the training for CBN and NPA staff, 6th to 8th Nov., 2019 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos state

Group exercise at the training

One of the group presentations

Echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, November 25th – 30th, 2019.

GISA continued the month of November with UPC training of practitioners held between 25th and 30th, 2019 with 23 participants. As usual, the training started with an opening ceremony where the Executive Director highlighted the journey so far and benefits of the training. Similarly the closing ceremony was observed with certificate presented to the participants.

Group presentations

Training on the Concept of Evidence-based Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention for Lagos State Ministry of Health, December 3rd and 4th, 2019

The last training of the year, 2019 was in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee. Participants in the two days training on the concept of Evidence-based Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention were health professionals and teachers drawn from different parts of Lagos state. The training was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Institute (LCCI) Building, Ikeja, Lagos with a total of 50 participants. The training started with an opening ceremony which was graced by dignitaries including the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos state Ministry of health Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Director Pharmaceutical Services Lagos State Ministry of Health and Chairman Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, Pharm. (Dr.) Moyosore Adejumo, the Director, Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Mosun Beckley among others.

During the opening ceremony the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos state Ministry of health Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, encouraged participants to take advantage of the training and reflect the knowledge gained during the training in their daily activities. He also appealed to them to cascade and share experience from the training in their various units. Pharm. (Dr.) Moyosore Adejumo, pointed out that the training was sponsored by the Lagos state government through the Ministry of Health with technical support of GISA. The Founder/Executive Director GISA, Dr. Martin Agwogie, noted that the trend in substance abuse among youths in Nigeria and Lagos State in particular need the urgent attention of everyone. According to him, “report from the 2018 national drug use survey shows that Lagos state has the highest number of persons who use psychoactive substances in Nigeria, this calls for urgent steps by everyone in Lagos State, this is not the time to sit on the fence. We must all rise to address this issue frontally to safeguard the future of the younger generation”. He also highlighted the focus and benefits of the training.

Pharm. Mosun Beckley, Dr. Martin O. Agwogie and Pharm. (Dr.) Moyosore Adejumo

Group picture of some participants at the training

Conclusion

GISA in the fourth quarter of the year extended its scope on evidence based capacity building to government ministries and departments. This is a positive sign of what to expect in the year 2020. We look forward to more collaboration with government, non-government, private and relevant stakeholders in the field of drug demand reduction to deliver evidence based substance abuse prevention capacity building in Nigeria. One sure way to address the multifaceted challenges of substance abuse is to develop comprehensive evidence based substance abuse prevention across different settings such as family, school, community, workplace, primary health care centre, media among others.

GISA seize this opportunity to express appreciation to the facilitators for their commitment to the delivery of quality trainings, to our partners for believing in us and to our participants for encouraging us with words of commendation and commitment to doing good and no harm in their service delivery. To all our vendors and everyone, we say thank you.

GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

 

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET, MAGODO ESTATE PHASE I, ISHERI, LAGOS STATE

 

QUARTERLY REPORT
JULY – SEPTEMBER, 2019

 

INTRODUCTION

The third quarter of the year (July – September, 2019) started on a grand note as the annual conference of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP) was held in Vienna with the Founder/Executive Director of GISA in the person of Dr. Martin O. Agwogie in attendance as the president of ISSUP Nigeria Chapter. At GISA, the following training programmes for the 3rdquarter were lined up:

1. National Training of Trainers on the UPC (Universal Prevention Curriculum) School- Based Track, 9th to 18th of July 2019.
2. Echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, August 5th – 10th, 2019
3. Echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, September 23rd – 28th, 2019

 National Training of Trainers on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) School-Based Track 9thto 18th of July, 2019

The National Training of Trainers on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) School-Based Track was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, Lagos state. The training, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria, was put together by GISA in collaboration with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme with the support of Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States. The 9 days training commenced with an opening ceremony witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education who was represented by the Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Lami Amodu, the Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consular General Lagos, Mr. Russell Brooks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services Lagos State Ministry of Health and Chairman Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, Dr. Moyosore Adejumo, the Chairman Lagos State Teaching Service Board who was represented by the Director, Teachers Education and Capacity Development Mr. Kehinde S. Oladosu, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Education District 1, among other dignitaries.

Mr. Kehinde S. Oladosu, Mr. Russell Brooks and Dr. Martin Agwogie

Dr. Martin Agwogie who is the National Coordinator Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) in Nigeria and the Founder/Executive Director of GISA, in his welcome address said “the 9-days training is coming after six months of the first UPC programme held in January this year. Since the first training of trainers, six batches of practitioners’ training have been conducted with a total of 153 practitioners imparted in evidence based substance abuse prevention in Nigeria. Our target is to train 2,000 practitioners in this area in the next one year”.

Some of the participants at the Training of Trainers

The Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consular General, Lagos in the person of Russell Brooks who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event stated that “Societal, parental neglect and negative peer influence have been described as major factors that promote substance abuse among youths, hence all hands must be on deck
to curb the spread. According to Brooks, substance abuse is a global public health challenge and research shows that 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15-64 years are victims of substance abuse, “If we are concerned about the growth of Africa, then we must promote policies and programs that will reduce substance abuse in Nigeria, which is the most populous black country in the continent”.

The training, according to the representative of Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program and a trainer, Susan Mauwa, is in two series: The Coordinating series and the implementing series; Nigeria she revealed is said to be in the implementing series and this is the second round to be held.

The training was attended by 35 national trainers who travelled from different regions of Nigeria and they include individuals from different professional fields ranging from medicine, social sciences, teaching among others. The training covered the school based implementer series which is one of the seven tracks in the Universal Prevention Curriculum.

Echo Training of Practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, August 5th – 10th, 2019

The 7thbatch of the echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) in Nigeria was held at GISA facility between 5th and 10th of August 2019. As usual the Founder/Executive Director at the opening ceremony took time to brief participants on the concept of UPC, the success story and the need to take the training seriously to enable them contribute more meaningfully to substance abuse prevention in Nigeria.

At the end of the six day training, participants were pleased to be part of the training and shared their experiences.

Echo Training of Practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, September 23rd – 27th, 2019

The 2ndand the last UPC echo training for the 3rdquarter was held between September 23rdand 27th2019 with 12 participants.

Facilitators in the two UPC echo trainings were Dr. Martin Agwogie, Mrs. Maria Ilugbuhi, Prof. Bola Ola, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, Mr. Olatunde Isaac, Mr. Remilekun Taiwo, Mr. Olatunji Erinjogunola and Ms. Sandra Anyahaebi. Each of these facilitators was evaluated by the participants.

One of the participants at the training, Prof. Helen O. Osinowo

At the end of the trainings, participants received certificates with credit hours.

At the end of the third quarter, all the trainings laid up for the quarter was successfully executed, and participants of the training were enjoined to earnestly start the work of prevention at their various workplace using the newly acquired knowledge and skills in line with prevention principles and ethics to enhance their operational modalities for better outcomes

Evaluation and analysis of the training programs, materials and contents for the quarter was carried out accordingly
Table 1: Training programme content: Evaluation of Training Materials and Programme Contents.

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Knowledge, Skills and Experience of Participants after the Training
The feedback on the knowledge, skills and experience gathered by participants at the end of the training includes: better informed about substance use and ways of prevention, learnt about increasing professional teamwork and analytical skills. Had better understanding of different target population in prevention interventions, implementation cycle in substance use prevention, abiding with professional ethics and standards as well as skills in sorting out associated issues. Also acquired knowledge on enforcement of policies for effective substance use prevention, behavioural patterns of individual and how to diffuse information on substance use to public without causing harm.

Things to Change Based on Training Experience
Trainees outlined things they would like to change based on the experience gathered during the training, and these are:

• Changing the current perception about drug abuse.
• Categorization of target audience.
• Modify content delivered to early adolescents in sensitization.
• Change strategies by targeting teachers and counsellors to implement substance prevention in schools
• Changing how to address and discipline students using psychoactive substances.
• Allocate more time for interaction and case study.
• Generalisations and assumptions of the use of substance, and gut feelings.
• Using the right terminologies in disseminating information on substance use.

Difficulties Likely to Face in Embarking on Change and Use of Experience
Participants outlined some difficulties that they might face in their workplace in applying the new knowledge and skills they have gained from the training and these include getting supervisors and colleagues to understand and use evidence based prevention approach in work modalities.

• Sourcing funds for implementing prevention programs.
• Work environment could pose a challenge to using EB prevention skills and knowledge gained.
• Spiritual interpretation of substance by the public
• Establishing collaboration with practitioners and professionals for program implementation.

Comments and Suggestion
Participants commented on the training and made suggestions, among the comments by some participants include:

– Thank you so much for this rare opportunity of learning from the experts, GISA staff, and fellow participants
– The content and delivery of the training was excellent.
– The program is intensive, immersive and amazing.

Participants appreciated the trainers for giving room for exclusive participation in the whole training process; they emphasize on the method of delivery which was immensely satisfactory and enjoyable; they wanted more and wouldn’t want the training to come to conclusion. Participants commended the organizers of the training and hoped that they would continue to educate all stakeholders in the society and in every parts of the country on substance use and prevention. Participants learnt a lot and looked forward to more trainings organized by GISA in collaboration with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP).

Other Activities
Beyond UPC trainings, GISA engaged in other activities within the third quarter. Early in the quarter, July 1st to 5th, 2019, the Founder/Executive Director, Dr. Martin Agwogie in his capacity as the president of ISSUP Nigeria Chapter, led a team of Nigerian representatives to the 5thGlobal ISSUP conference in Vienna, Austria where he also participated in the training of global trainers in Drug Demand Reduction. Also and as part of GISA advocacy mandate for the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR), Dr. Martin Agwogie attended the 4th ICUDDR Conference in Cusco, Peru (July 22nd and 23rd, 2019). Similarly, Dr. Agwogie attended the ICUDDR Africa Catalytic Meeting held in Addis Ababa (September 3rd and 4th, 2019) where he chaired the session. At the meeting, Dr. Agwogie was made the Assistance Coordinator of ICUDDR in Africa. This was in recognition of his support for the development and professionalization of drug demand reduction in Africa.

ISSUP Conference in Vienna, Austria

At the ICUDDR Conference in Cusco, Peru

At the ICUDDR Africa Catalytic Meeting in Addis Ababa

Conclusion
The third quarter of the year ended on an affirmative note and with a lot of promises towards a more gratifying fourth quarter, one of which is the first echo training on the School-Based track of UPC scheduled for October, 2019. We hope to expand our scope of trainings in the fourth quarter of the year so as to meet the
yearnings for capacity building in evidence-based substance abuse prevention. GISA expresses appreciation to her team of facilitators, staff and participants of the UPC trainings, local and international partners for their contributions and support towards successful activities of another quarter.

GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE (GISA)

 

17, AYODELE FANOIKI STREET, MAGODO ESTATE PHASE I, ISHERI, LAGOS STATE

 

QUARTERLY REPORT
APRIL – JUNE, 2019

 

INTRODUCTION

The second quarter of the year (April – June, 2019) started with great prospect as arrangements for the third and ensuing Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders training of practitioners were being made. Manuals, handbills, writing materials, folders, nametags of prospective participants were being prepared. Posters and fliers had been sent across platforms to inform the general public of the training and for interested persons to apply. The training programmes lined up for the quarter were:
1. Echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, April 23rd – 27th
2. Echo training of Lagos State Secondary School Principals at the Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Agbado on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders,
3. Echo training of practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, June 10th – 15th

Echo Training of Practitioners on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders, April 23rd – 27th

The third batch training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for substance use disorders started on the 23rd of April, 2019 at GISA facility, no 17 Ayodele Fanoiki street, Magodo phase 1, Lagos. The training encompasses 21 participants from various professional fields such as medicine, psychology, guidance counselling pharmacy, education among others. They were from different organisations such the law enforcement (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA), hospitals, community pharmacy, government ministries of health and education, faith-based organizations, NGOs and the youth population.
The training was organized by GISA as an education service provider for Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States. The objective of the training was to provide participants with requisite Evidence-Based (EB) knowledge, skills and competencies on substance use prevention in order to help them provide evidence based interventions.

 

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Facilitators for the training were Dr. Martin Agwogie, Mrs. Maria Ilugbuhi, Professor Bola Ola, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale and Mr. Remilekun Taiwo. The training covered all the core implementer series in the Universal Prevention Curriculum.

The thriving execution of the third batch training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for substance use disorders oiled our strategies and planning for subsequent activities delineated for the second quarter of the year.

Training of Secondary School Principals in Lagos State on Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC), 6th to 10th of May, 2019

By the 1st day of May 2019, preparation was already in great expectations for the UPC Echo training for practitioners slated for Lagos State Secondary School Principals. The training began on the 5th of May and lasted for six days. The opening ceremony which took place on the first day of the training was graced by dignitaries from the Lagos State Ministry of Education led by the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District 1, Dr. Yinka Ayandele. The training was held at the Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Agbado, Lagos State. It was the first and all-inclusive evidence based substance abuse prevention training organized for secondary school principals in Lagos state, Nigeria. It was conducted at relatively no cost to the participants.

Dr. Yinka Ayandele
The Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District 1, Lagos State Ministry of Education

Mr. Ojedokun Y. Adeolu, Dr. Yinka Ayandele and Dr. Martin Agwogie

Dr. Martin O. Agwogie and Mr. Isaac Olatunde

The Founder/Executive Director of GISA and National Coordinator UPC, Dr. Martin Agwogie, led the team of UPC national trainers for the training. Other trainers were Professor Bola Ola, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, Mrs. Chinyere Okonkwo, Mrs. Felicia Ikechukwu, Mrs. Fibisola Taiwo, Mr. Isaac Olatunde, Mr. Remilekun Taiwo, Mr. Olatunji Erinjogunola, and Ms. Sandra Anyahaebi. The trainings covered the CORE of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC), course.

Participants in training sessions

The training ended with participants better equipped for evidence based substance abuse prevention within and outside the school community. The month of May continued with preparations for an upcoming UPC training of practitioners scheduled for 10th – 15th of June at the GISA facility among other activities.

The month of June began with excitement as preparations for the UPC ECHO training was being finalised. Twenty-two participants were profiled for the training which took off on the 10th and ended on the 15th of June, 2019.

At the brief opening ceremony, the Founder/Executive Director of GISA, Dr. Martin Agwogie seized the opportunity to highlight the benefits received so far by participants in the UPC training since its commencement in January, notable among which was the selection of the 4 Drug Demand Reduction Global Trainers from Nigeria among the national trainers. The selected Global Trainers, he noted, will join other global experts in drug demand reduction in Vienna, Austria in the first week of July during the 5th Global ISSUP conference.

Each of the trainings in the second quarter ended with words of encouragement to the participants to go back to their various operational domains and undertake the problems of substance abuse making good use of the newly acquired knowledge and skills in line with prevention principles and ethics. Certificates of participation with credit hours were presented to the participants. There were pre-tests and post-tests. In addition, the training materials and programme contents were evaluated (see the respective tables). Five of the trainers who facilitated in the three trainings were also autonomously assessed by the participants with respect to knowledge of the subject matter, delivery skills/supervision, time management, participant’s engagement and general demeanor.

Trainers’ Evaluation

Result from figure 1 shows that all the facilitators had mean scores of between 89.32% and 95.91%. That means the facilitators are proficient in the UPC trainings.
Other evaluation and analysis of the training programs, materials and contents for the quarter can be seen in the table below:

Table 1: Training programme content: Evaluation of Training Materials and Programme Contents

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE OF PARTICIPANTS AFTER THE TRAINING

The feedback on the knowledge, skills and experience gathered by participants at the end of the training includes:
 Better informed about substance use and prevention strategies
 Learnt better ways of tackling cases of substance use and abuse
 Steps involved in implementation cycle towards providing evidence based intervention for effective solution to substance abuse
 Gained knowledge to identify drug users and avoid or delay initiation of drug use
 Prevention of substance use is key
 Knowledge about different coping skills
 Better ways to identify the indicated and the selective population of substance use
 Informed about helping persons who use drugs out of their substance use without subjecting them to punishment.
 Learnt about building a team for effective implementation of prevention programs
 Learnt various forms of intervention on substance use prevention (EBI’s)
 Understood that prevention science is key to the reduction of substance use in the community
 Fidelity to program implementation is necessary for effective and positive outcome
 Gained confidence to talk about prevention of substance abuse using evidence based approach
 Learnt that persons who use drugs need to be related with love instead of being treated harshly

THINGS TO CHANGE BASED ON TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Trainees outlined things they would like to change based on the experience gathered during the training, and these were:
• Change in the current perception about drug abuse
• Change in the orientation and strategies on how to provide intervention to persons who use drugs
• Improve family parenting skills.
• Use persuasive speech to get the buy-ins of their bosses/supervisors about evidence-based substance use prevention.
• Gain the confidence of their colleagues into using evidence-based approach in tackling substance use issues
• Change the ways prevention activities have been conducted in the past including style or language of sensitization
• Change in attitudes towards users of substance.
• Change approach to community sensitization.
• Change language mode when talking to students on substance use and laying more emphasis on skills rather than mentioning names of substance.

DIFFICULTIES FACING CHANGE AND USE OF EXPERIENCE
Participants also outlined some difficulties that they might face applying the new knowledge and skills in their workplace. These include concept and perception of intervention implementation, limited resources such as funding for continuous training, cooperation of superiors/supervisors, the culture of target audience, difficulties in getting others who do not have the knowledge of evidence-based prevention intervention to come on board, challenges with some school policies, challenges with government policies, lack of willingness of colleagues to change and embrace new ideas, existing systems, bureaucracy and protocols for intervention, cultural barrier, and getting the approval of the community members.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTION
Participants gave comments on the training and few suggestions, among the comments given by some participants include:
– Thank you so much for this rare opportunity of learning from the experts, GISA staff, and fellow participants. It was worth every penny and time!!! Wishing us all success in our various endeavors – Dr. Ujunwa Udunanya
– Yes! It was a well packaged program that was perfectly delivered. Kudos to GISA and the amiable CEO.-
Mrs. Elizabeth Omiwole
– Good morning all. Thanks to Dr. Martin Agwogie and his wonderful team. I appreciate you all. – Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogaga
– It was indeed a great experience. Thanks & more grace. – Rev. Fr. Bethrand Ujunwa
– So glad I came for this training, thank you – Mr. John Akinola
– Thank you for the fabulous training. – Mrs. Bolanle Balogun
– God bless GISA for this wonderful capacity building. – Mr. Baba Aliyu
– God bless GISA, the sky is your beginning Dr. Martin Agwogie. Thank you for the opportunity. – Mr. Iortyer Adabo
– Thank you for giving us this opportunity sir. – Dr. Mary Ogedengbe

In addition, participants concurred that the facilitators gave room for trainee’s participation; the method of delivery was adequate; trainers were very competent; training was well organized; facilitators were able to differentiate treatment from prevention, the training venue and curriculum were excellent and relevant, strict and effective time management, their learning about child development and the ability to change the way they approach issues. Having said these, they wanted more time for the presentations so that new participants, those who are new in the field of substance abuse, can assimilate better; and more time allocated for participants- facilitators interactions for more practical learning experiences.
The combination of facilitators was very good as they complemented each other and raised the standard. They commended the organizers of the training and hoped that they would continue to educate all stakeholders in

the society and in other parts of Nigeria on substance use and prevention. Overall, they learnt a lot and looked forward to more trainings organized by GISA in collaboration with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP).

LESSONS LEARNT
Every training provides opportunity to learn from participants and improve on previous lessons. The broad expertise of participants from different professional backgrounds in addition to the method of delivery of the modules fetched new lessons. The group work brought about creativity and different perspective that may not have been envisaged. Similarly, new dimension of team work in substance use prevention was introduced. For example module 8 which is on “The Implementation Cycle: Skills, Competences for Prevention Professionals” brought to bear the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the participants within the first few days of the training. They were able to appreciate the need for collectiveness in addressing the issues of substance abuse in the community. The exercises demonstrated the importance of needs and resource assessment in substance use prevention. More often emphasis is on the needs with little or no attention to resources within the community. The exercises also conveyed the uniqueness of each community, maximum utilisation of limited resources, and ability to identify the target population for intervention. Each community for each of the trainings have sufficiently demonstrated consistencies in identifying the needs and resources within their communities as well as plan interventions. Similarly, participants in every of the trainings have come up with different strategies to communicate experiences from the training to their colleagues and supervisors based on the peculiarity of their work environment. These have become great lessons. The developers of this Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for substance use disorders must be commended for the well researched and developed curriculum for substance use prevention. The curriculum has proven its uniqueness in capacity building for evidence based substance use prevention. There are observations from the participants, which we believe, will add value to the curriculum. These will be communicated through the appropriate channel for consideration in the subsequent review.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Beyond UPC trainings, GISA engaged in other activities within the second quarter. Also, we provided consultancy services in the area of substance use prevention, treatment and policies. The Founder/Executive Director, Dr. Martin Agwogie granted press interviews within the period. Some of the interviews were aired on the National Television Authority (NTA), Lagos Television (LTV) among others. The print media were not left out as interviews were published in Guardian Newspaper, The New Telegraph, Thisday Newspaper among others. He was also invited as a Keynote speaker at the Symposium on Drug and Substance Abuse in Nigeria organized by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy in Collaboration with The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria held in Lagos June 2019. Within the period, GISA also recognised notable individuals with different categories of awards such as, GISA Drug Free Ambassadors.

Receiving Appreciation Award from the Chairman NAP, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR)


GISA Youth Drug Free Ambassador, Mr. Emmanuel T. Daike being presented certificate of induction

CONCLUSION
The second quarter of the year ended on an affirmative note and with a lot of promises towards a more gratifying third quarter, one of which is the National Training of Trainers on the School-Based track of UPC scheduled for July 2019. We hope to expand our scope of trainings in the third quarter of the year so as to meet the yearnings for capacity building in evidence-based substance abuse prevention. GISA expresses appreciation to her team of facilitators, staff and participants of the UPC trainings, local and international partners for their contributions and support towards successful activities of another quarter.