NDLEA cautions youths against illicit drugs

From Godwin Tsa Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned young Nigerians against the use of illicit drugs.

The anti-drug agency made the call in Abuja, yesterday, through its Deputy Commandant Narcotics and Assistant Director, Media and Advocacy, Henry Chidi Ndukwu, at an event to mark the 2024 International Day of the Boy Child.

The event was organised by Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) with the theme: “Boys Health and Wellbeing.”

While expressing the commitment and passion of the agency in eliminating the scourge of drug abuse and its consequences on society, the agency warned that substance abuse has medical, social, economic and psychological consequences on users, family and on society at large.

In his paper presentation at the occasion, Ndukwu lamented that “In our clime, little or no attention is given to the boy child, who may be a prey and a potential agent for criminality, terrorism, violent extremism, drug abuse and other vices.”

Among other activities lined up at the event is an easy competition among some schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on the contribution of the boy child.

Ndukwu stated that young people, who frequently use drugs are more likely to face problems such as academic difficulties, health-related issues, poor relationships with peers, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

In his paper titled: “How the boy child can contribute to a better society”, Ndukwu expressed the need for parents and society at large to instil values of equality, respect, empathy, and social responsibility in the male child.

He said global crime statistics revealed that men consistently dominate crime perpetration across various categories, including violent crimes, property crimes, and white-collar offences. He said boys can contribute to a better society in numerous ways, such as; promoting equality, respecting others, advocating for social justice, fostering empathy and understanding; promoting mental health and wellbeing and supporting environmental conservation, among others.

He disclosed that, according to the national drug survey conducted in Nigeria in 2018, “one in seven persons aged 15-64 had used a drug (other than tobacco and alcohol) in the past year.

“The past year’s prevalence of any drug use was estimated at 14.4percent, corresponding to14.3 million people, aged15–64, who had used a psychoactive substance in the past year for non-medical purposes. Among every four drug users in Nigeria, three are men.”

Also speaking at the event, a lawyer and an international analyst on democracy and nation building, Dr. Mainasara Ibrahim Umar, called on the federal government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of its citizens.

“Section 33 of the 1999 talks about the fundamental rights to life. Therefore, the government should do whatever it can to secure the lives of the nation in the interest of the future generations. We want the lives of our citizens to be protected, so as to secure their future as leaders of tomorrow.”

In addition, Umar called on the government to provide free and quality education for the citizens, including water and electricity. The lawyer further tasked the central government on the need to enhance and protect the fundamental rights of the citizens, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

“Section 34 of the 1999 constitution talked about freedom to human dignity. We want our children to enjoy their constitutional rights as provided for by the 1999 constitution. This includes section 16 of the 1999 constitution which talked about economic empowerment.”

He lamented that 99 percent of the citizens are living in squalor, while only one percent of the population is enjoying the wealth of the nation.

“With over 148 mineral deposits in the country, Nigeria is not destined to be a poor country.”

Umar attributed the prevailing economic hardship in the country and the general insecurity to corruption by greedy leaders who are only there for their selfish interest.