The Federal Government has been charged to fashion out measures to tackle the rising cases of drug abuse among young Nigerians.
The Nigerian youths and children, on the other hand have been warned against the dangers of illicit drug and the need for them to steer of such dangerous habit in order to safeguard their future.
This was disclosed by Afam Paulkinson, Africa regional coordinator, Mass Initiative for Non- Illicit Drug Society (MINDS), while speaking during a sensitisation programme organised by the organisation for children at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, Omole, Ikeja, Lagos Saturday.
Paulkinson said the organisation decided to focus on young Nigerians so that the act could be checked and discouraged in their mindset before they grow.
He lamented that successive administrations in the country were not doing enough to check the alarming rate of drug abuse among young Nigerians, stressing that it had aided the surge in crime rate in the country.
“Some years ago, we said, let rescue Nigeria from drug abuse; it is a big problem in Nigeria and other countries are doing a lot in this regard but here we are taking a back seat.
“We want to catch them young, stop the act, and educate them so that they can be informed about it. We want to stop the children first, that is the reason for the focus on them. You would be surprised that in most primary schools, young ones from seven years are abusing drugs,” he said.
Ogunluyi Titilope, head of Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), lamented that drug abuse had become prevalent among young Nigerians in recent years, while charging parents and guardians to redouble their effort in taking care of their children.
She advised children and youths not to take drugs that are not prescribed for them by a medical personnel, adding that several Nigerians have lose their lives to the act.
According o her, “I want to advise you to avoid abusing drugs; don’t take any drug that is not prescribed by a medical personnel or from your parents. Drug abuse can damage your future and end your dreams.
“It has a long term effect on you. Take enough water; read your books and avoid bad friends. Also, you must obey your parents, “she said.
Parish Priest of Catholic Church of Holy Spirit, Micheal Ogunniyi, said the church decided to embrace the programme because it was necessary that children are educated on the dangers of the act.
Ogunniyi advised young Nigerians to shun any act that would jeopardise their future in general.
Iniobong Iwok
