The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba, in conjunction with the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority has taken another stride in her continued efforts toward tackling underage gambling among secondary school students in Lagos State by embarking on an Anti-underage gambling Project outreach to Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos.
The event which was well attended featured workshops, group sessions and debates among students geared at fostering an understanding of underage gambling and evaluating the negative consequences amongst students.
Speaking at the event, the President of ARD, FNPH, Yaba, Dr Oluwatoba Babarinsa lauded the Lagos State Government for its forward thinking approach in tackling the menace of underage gambling among secondary school students.
Babarinsa assured that the association of resident doctors would continue to partner with them in ensuring proactive strategies toward improving the mental health conditions of all Lagosians.
According to him, underage gambling which is the getting involved in the act of gambling under the age of 18, is prohibited by the law.
He underscored the need for teenagers, particularly the secondary school students not to be involved in gambling of any sort, saying that underaged gambling could ruin one’s life and future.
The ARD President highlighted the impacts of the Anti-underage gambling project, saying that the programme, which started in 2023, has impacted over 4000 students across 10 different secondary schools in Lagos State.
“The Anti-underage gambling project, which started in 2023 has reached out to over 4000 students in 10 schools in Lagos State.
“Underage gambling which is the getting involved in the act of gambling under the age of 18 is prohibited by the Nigeria law. As a student, you must not be involved in gambling.
“Underaged gambling has a lot of negative consequences; aside from leading to anxiety, depression and drug abuse, it can lure an individual into stealing in order to raise funds to continually gamble. Therefore, underaged gambling can ruin one’s life and future,” Babarinsa said.