By Xhyongo Sokoto, The Nigeria Times
In the serene yet resilient community of Miango in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, a transformative program recently brought together residents to address a pervasive societal issue: substance abuse. The event, spearheaded by the faith-based organization “Galatians 6:6” in collaboration with the Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA), sought to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit drug use, substance abuse, and alcohol consumption. Focused on empowering the youth and educating adults, the initiative served as a beacon of hope for a community grappling with these challenges, offering spiritual and practical tools for healthier living.
The founder of Galatians 6:6, Pastor John Oyakhire, set the tone for the event with an impassioned address delivered on a chilly evening. Speaking to a crowd of attentive adults, he emphasized the ministry’s mission to “bring sinners to Christ” and to offer renewed hope to individuals battling addiction. Pastor Oyakhire shared the ministry’s success stories, noting that through discipleship, 20 adults had been guided to overcome their struggles with substance abuse and were now serving as role models for 500 others in their communities. “It is about building a chain of transformation,” he stated, underscoring the ministry’s vision for sustainable community change through faith-based intervention.
Among the testimonies shared at the event was that of a 39-year-old single mother of two, who has become a symbol of resilience and redemption. A former Muslim from Nasarawa State, she embraced Christianity in 2020 and was baptized in 2022. Her journey, marked by teenage motherhood, the tragic loss of her parents in a 2018 crisis, and struggles with drugs, alcohol, smoking, and prostitution, was one of heartbreak and hope. “John 3:16 is my anchor,” she shared with The Nigeria Times, citing the Bible verse that encourages her daily as she navigates life as a single mother. She expressed profound gratitude to the ministry for restoring her faith and giving her the tools to rebuild her life.
Nancy Musa, Women Coordinator of MYDA, lauded the ministry’s initiative, describing it as a much-needed intervention for the Miango community. “Substance abuse among the youth has reached alarming levels, leading to preventable fatalities,” she said, urging the ministry to expand its awareness programs across the district. She stressed that tackling such challenges requires a collaborative approach involving community members, faith-based organizations, and government agencies. Her appeal was echoed by other stakeholders present, who called for sustained efforts to educate and empower the youth against the lure of drugs and alcohol.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides sobering context to the crisis, reporting that approximately 2.6 million people die annually due to alcohol consumption, with an additional 600,000 fatalities linked to psychoactive drugs. These figures represent a global epidemic, with men disproportionately affected, accounting for 2.4 million of these deaths. Such statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and community-driven strategies, like the one initiated by Galatians 6:6, to curb the devastating impact of substance abuse.
However, Pastor Oyakhire was candid about the challenges his ministry faces. “Parents, communities, and even the government often reject our approach because we center it on Jesus Christ,” he said, calling for a shift in perspective. He urged churches and community leaders to embrace rather than ostracize individuals struggling with addiction. “Rejection compounds their problems,” he noted, appealing for prayers, encouragement, and acceptance instead of condemnation. The pastor also called for greater collaboration with state and federal governments to scale up awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs.
The community leader warmly welcomed the initiative, mobilizing residents to participate in the event. The day’s program included heartfelt testimonies, engaging presentations, and lively entertainment that drew even those initially unaware of the program’s purpose. Many attendees, inspired by the testimonies, shared their own experiences with addiction, underscoring the prevalence of the issue in the community. For others, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the need for communal support and solidarity in tackling substance abuse.
Galatians 6:6’s approach to addressing addiction is deeply rooted in its faith-based philosophy. By integrating spiritual guidance with practical support, the ministry seeks to not only help individuals overcome addiction but also to restore their relationships with their families and their communities. “This is not just about saving lives but also about healing families and communities,” Pastor Oyakhire explained. The success stories shared at the event served as powerful reminders of the potential for change when faith and compassion are combined with structured intervention.
The Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA) has pledged continued support for such initiatives. “Our youth are our future,” Musa reiterated, adding that empowering them with knowledge and tools to resist substance abuse is an investment in the community’s overall well-being. She called on other organizations to join the fight against substance abuse and to help build a healthier, more resilient Miango.
As the event concluded, it was evident that the message of hope and transformation had resonated with the community. The testimonies, music, and interactive sessions created an atmosphere of healing and encouragement, leaving many attendees inspired to take action in their own lives and within their circles of influence.
Pastor Oyakhire’s closing remarks encapsulated the essence of the day’s program: “Transformation is possible, one life at a time. With faith, love, and community support, we can overcome even the darkest struggles.” His words were met with applause and a renewed sense of purpose among the attendees, who left with a clear understanding of their role in fostering a drug-free and spiritually enriched community.
This event marks a critical step forward for Miango, demonstrating the power of collaboration and faith in addressing societal challenges. With continued efforts and support, initiatives like this hold the promise of a brighter future for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
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