Rector Pascal, founder and executive director of the We Are Not Thugs Initiative and the Rector Pascal Foundation, has called for greater support for young people battling substance use, stressing the importance of rehabilitation, dignity and second chances.
He made the call during a session titled “Starting Again: The Power of Second Chances” at the sixth edition of the DARE Conference, held in Abuja on October 16 and 17, 2026.
The conference, organised by YouthHubAfrica under the theme “Youth Power as a Pathway to Africa’s Future”, brought together more than 1,000 young Africans, both in person and virtually, to discuss health, governance, education, entrepreneurship, and youth participation in Africa’s development.
During his session on the opening day, Pascal drew on his grassroots work with vulnerable communities in Lagos, including Shitta, Surulere and Mushin, to highlight the challenges faced by young people struggling with substance use.
Through the We Are Not Thugs Initiative, he advocates an approach that prioritises support, recovery and dignity over stigmatisation and judgment.
The initiative’s philosophy is that young people dealing with addiction should not be defined by their struggles but should have access to the assistance needed to address underlying issues, rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Pascal also shared insights from recovery experiences, community medical outreaches, aftercare support and storytelling campaigns, illustrating how sustained assistance can help young people regain stability and purpose.
His session formed part of wider discussions at the conference on ways to strengthen youth participation in Africa’s development. The event featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, performances and conversations involving health professionals, policymakers, young advocates and artists.
The conference focused on the role of young people in addressing challenges across key sectors and identifying opportunities to contribute to the continent’s future.
Pascal’s participation brought attention to the place of mental health support, rehabilitation and recovery in youth development, particularly for young people affected by substance use and social stigma.
YouthHubAfrica organises the DARE Conference to provide a platform for young Africans to exchange ideas and discuss practical approaches to development across the continent.
