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From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Empowerment Programme, Dr Nelson Omenugha, has advised the government at all levels to adopt a multidimensional approach in their fights against the abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria.
He said that it was only through such an approach that the efforts to tackle the menace would begin to yield the expected fruits in the country.
Omenugha, in a statement issued to Daily Sun, said that the idea of empowering the youth through skills acquisition as a way of fighting drug abuse was good, but argued that the approach alone was not enough as gainfully employed people also abuse illicit drugs.
The statement contains an excerpt of a lecture he delivered at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as a keynote speaker during a national symposium themed: “Nigerian Youths, Illicit Drug and National Development”, organized by The Youth Friendly Resource Centre in the Office of the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Omenugha, who spoke on the topic: “Skill Acquisition as a Panacea to Youth Illicit Drug Abuse”, laid emphasis on more effective ways of preventing the abuse of illicit drugs, as well as rehabilitation and care for the victims.
“As youth illicit drug abuse is a complex one, my thesis argues that the approach to addressing it would be multidimensional.
“While recognizing the place of skill acquisition in gainful engagement and advancement of the youths, my thesis notes that only-skill acquisition approach is not sufficient to provide a solution to youth illicit drug abuse.
“This position is supported by some studies which show that some artisans, celebrities and skilled youths patronize illicit drugs.
“Going forward, my thesis discusses the role of governments (politics), skill acquisitions (economics of wealth creation), communities, schools, churches (social-cultural agents) and digital platforms (technology) in addressing youth illicit drug abuse. Communication and collaboration among the key actors are critical”, he said.
Omenugha, who took his audience at the event through some of the remote and immediate causes of youth illicit drug abuse, used the model of PEST – Political, Economic, Socio-Cultural and Technology – to drive home his points.
“The symposium was a perfect chance to share some of the efforts by our government led by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo at gainfully engaging and empowering the youths, including entrusting responsibilities, equipping and advancing their skills”, he added.
Omenugha commended the VC of the university, Prof. Charles Igwe, and his management team; the Director of Youth Friendly Resource Centre and Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Prof. Okey Ikeanyibe, for their efforts to tackle the menace of illicit drugs abuse in our society.
