Rector Pascal Advocates Second Chances For Youths Battling Addictionhttps://leadership.ng/rector-pascal-advocates-second-chances-for-youths-battling-addiction/

Rector Pascal, founder and government director of the We Are Not Thugs Initiative and the Rector Pascal Foundation, has known as for higher assist for younger individuals battling substance use, stressing the significance of rehabilitation, dignity and second possibilities.

He made the decision throughout a session titled “Starting Again: The Power of Second Chances” on the sixth version of the DARE Conference, held in Abuja on October 16 and 17, 2026.

The convention, organised by YouthHubAfrica underneath the theme “Youth Power as a Pathway to Africa’s Future”, introduced collectively greater than 1,000 younger Africans, each in individual and nearly, to debate well being, governance, training, entrepreneurship, and youth participation in Africa’s improvement.

During his session on the opening day, Pascal drew on his grassroots work with susceptible communities in Lagos, together with Shitta, Surulere and Mushin, to spotlight the challenges confronted by younger individuals battling substance use.

Through the We Are Not Thugs Initiative, he advocates an method that prioritises assist, restoration and dignity over stigmatisation and judgment.

The initiative’s philosophy is that younger individuals coping with habit shouldn’t be outlined by their struggles however ought to have entry to the help wanted to deal with underlying points, rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Pascal additionally shared insights from restoration experiences, neighborhood medical outreaches, aftercare assist and storytelling campaigns, illustrating how sustained help might help younger individuals regain stability and goal.

His session shaped a part of wider discussions on the convention on methods to strengthen youth participation in Africa’s improvement. The occasion featured panel discussions, interactive classes, performances and conversations involving well being professionals, policymakers, younger advocates and artists.

The convention targeted on the position of younger individuals in addressing challenges throughout key sectors and figuring out alternatives to contribute to the continent’s future.

Pascal’s participation introduced consideration to the place of psychological well being assist, rehabilitation and restoration in youth improvement, notably for younger individuals affected by substance use and social stigma.

YouthHubAfrica organises the DARE Conference to offer a platform for younger Africans to change concepts and talk about sensible approaches to improvement throughout the continent.