Tales of a 13-year-Old Drug Addict (Part 2)

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Who Can Save Her?

'Doctor! Doctor o! Screamed Simi's mother. A nurse rushed in and tried to stabilize Simi. After a while, the doctor came in, handing a referral note to Ms. Newton. 

'Please take her to the Federal Medical Centre as soon as possible. They will handle her better.'

In one hour, Ms. Newton was at FMC. 

The front desk personnel scanned through the referral note and hissed. 'O di e gwu o. Children of nowadays.' 

She walked into an office and came out with a file. ' Madam, you have to wait a little. Our doctors are busy now ' she scoffed. 

'Ah. How long am I going to wait? Ms. Newton asked. 

'I don't know o. No be me born pikin wey I no fit take care of.' 

Ms. Newton was too tired to respond.

One hour later, she was shown to the doctor's office. 

'Bayo! She shouted in surprise. 'Abi, my eyes are deceiving me.' 

'Kike! Long time.' They hugged. 

Both were classmates in Secondary School. After narrating her ordeal, Dr. Bayo was moved with compassion.

Simi was admitted and received treatment for a month. Ms. Newton had spent all her savings and would have had to keep selling some of her belongings to keep up with the bills. 

Fortunately, Dr. Bayo assisted in bearing the financial burden. He also recommended a private rehabilitation centre. His referral ensured that Simi received adequate attention. 

The withdrawal process was painful. Ms. Newton cried each day she visited. Her daughter was too young to go through such an experience.

Ms. Newton blamed herself. She had lost so much weight. Since the incident, she could barely eat or sleep.  Her duties at work were shouldered by her kind colleagues. 

Dr. Bayo was a good friend. He encouraged her to be strong. To see her child's experience as an opportunity to help other children who are either being tempted or are already engaged in drug abuse.

 He advised her to use her influence in the Ministry of Health where she works to propose policies that curb drug use among children. Especially in schools.

Ms. Newton heeded his advice. Even though she wished her daughter was not a victim, she decided to use her story to impact the lives of families who may be going through the same situation.

3 months later, Simi was declared clean. Like her mum, she was determined to save vulnerable students from the effects of drugs. She also promised to be focused on her academics. 

Like glue stuck on plastic, the words of her mother remained with her. 'What do you need a boyfriend for?

Ms. Newton returned to work full of ideas. She submitted proposals to her Director, suggesting programs on how to deal with the problem of drugs among school children. Including facilitating a Government rehabilitation centre in the FCT.

She was not ashamed to use her daughter as a case study.

Her request was granted. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, research was conducted on the use of drugs among school children in the FCT.

She worked passionately in organizing projects that enlightened school children on the effects of drugs. Starting with her daughter's school.

They recorded great successes. Hundreds of students received counseling, and a good number agreed to discontinue. Including Fola - her former boyfriend.

Simi and her mum became best of friends. She graduated from secondary school with one of the best results in WAEC. She was recently awarded a fully funded scholarship to the United States to study Social Work at the Undergraduate and Master's levels. 

Simi works as a Child Advocate. Now 20, she has an Initiative where she helps vulnerable girls gain access to education and entrepreneurial skills. From being a drug addict, she is now an inspiration to millions of girls around the world.

When she was not out doing a project, she was spending time with her mum and Dr. Bayo who had become like a Father.  

Her mum and Dr. Bayo…she smiled at the thought that crossed her mind. Why not? After all, he had never been married!

The End.