Lagos East Baptist anti-social vices club launches addiction recovery app, free tech hub

The Anti-Social Vices Club of the Royal Ambassadors, Lagos East Baptist Conference, has launched two digital initiatives helping young people overcome addiction, find support and develop skills for the future.

The initiatives, FreeMan and VESTRA, were unveiled during one of their annual events in Lagos recently.

They were borne out of concerns about the growing cases of addiction, depression and other social challenges among teenagers and youths within local church communities.

FreeMan is a web-based addiction recovery and support platform to provide young people with a private first step towards seeking help.

The platform features a step-by-step recovery guide, daily Scripture, habit tracking, anonymity, quick contacts and WhatsApp support.

The organisation is also working with hospitals and rehabilitation centres to connect people who require professional assistance.

The club also believes that prevention must go beyond telling young people what not to do.

This led to the creation of VESTRA, a free technology hub designed to help young people spend their time learning valuable digital skills.

VESTRA offers structured courses across five areas - Data & Analytics, Design & Creative, Software Development, AI & Automation, and Business & Product. Participants can learn for free, track their progress and earn certificates upon completion.

The Coordinator of the Anti-Social Vices Club, Adedolapo Adedayo, said the organisation is committed to providing practical solutions to the challenges facing young people.

 “We have told young people not to engage in social vices, but we realised that telling them what not to do is not enough. They also need support, opportunities and something meaningful to pursue,” he said

Adedayo added that the organisation is ready to collaborate with hospitals, rehabilitation centres and other relevant professionals to support young people going through addiction and related challenges.

The two initiatives reflect the club’s new approach to youth intervention: help those who are struggling and equip those who are ready to grow.

FreeMan is available at Freeman.ralebc.org while VESTRA can be accessed at Vestra.ralebc.org.