The Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) team, on Friday, 16 January 2025, paid a courtesy and solidarity visit to Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministries (CADAM), a drug rehabilitation centre located in Epe, Lagos State.
The visit was led by WELA’s Founder and Chairperson, Funmi Falana SAN, alongside members of the WELA team, including Mr. Felix Peter, Principal of the WELA College of Vocational Training; Mr. Sola Agbaje, WELA Program Director; Mrs. Funke Agina, WELA Lawyer; and Ms. Mimi Azuaga, WELA Lawyer.
As part of the visit, WELA presented gifts to the Centre, including a cow and two bags of rice, in support of the residents. The presentation of the cow was met with excitement and applause, as the hall erupted in joy at the gesture, reflecting the warmth and significance of the visit.
The WELA delegation was warmly received by the administrators of CADAM, Mr. Testimony Alakpa and his wife, who expressed appreciation for WELA’s continued support and solidarity with the Centre’s rehabilitation work.
Addressing the residents, Funmi Falana SAN delivered words of encouragement, emphasising hope, resilience, and the possibility of rebuilding one’s life after addiction. She reaffirmed WELA’s belief that recovery is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a renewed and purposeful life.
She further spoke on WELA’s ongoing partnership with CADAM, explaining that individuals who successfully complete the rehabilitation programme but have no immediate place to go would be received at the WELA Shelter. According to her, such beneficiaries would also be enrolled in WELA’s free vocational training programmes, after which they would be supported with relevant tools and equipment at no cost, to enable sustainable reintegration and economic independence.
Following her address, Mrs. Falana held a separate interactive session with the female residents, during which she responded to their questions, offered counsel, and provided guidance tailored to their personal concerns. The session reinforced WELA’s message of dignity, self-worth, and the assurance that there is life, opportunity, and purpose beyond addiction.
The visit marked WELA’s third engagement with CADAM, following two previous visits in the course of the previous year, underscoring WELA’s sustained commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration, and support for individuals overcoming substance abuse.
Overall, the visit was a meaningful and uplifting experience for both the residents and the WELA team, reinforcing shared values of compassion, restoration, and hope for a better future.