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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Drug Free World Africa (DFWA) and the lawmaker representing Imo North Senatorial District, Senator Patrick Ndubueze and DFWA have raised the alarm over wave of drug abuse.
They spoke at the official unveiling and launch of DFWA campaign activities against drugs in Abuja.
The event, themed “From Awareness to Action: Together We Can End Drug Abuse,” is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a healthier lifestyle among young people.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive officer, Buba Marwa, stressed the agency’s desire to end the era of drug abuse and substance misuse in Nigeria, reaffirming their commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve this goal.
Represented by an Assistant Director, Etuka Chizoba, he said the agency would continue to sanitise the system.
In a keynote presentation, Senator Patrick Ndubueze called on parents to monitor their children’s mental health and relate appropriately, highlighting the crucial role parents play in preventing drug abuse.
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Ndubueze underscored the importance of community engagement and participation in preventing drug abuse, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect young people and promote a healthier lifestyle.
In her remarks, DFWA Country Director , Jon. D Lina Ikereke, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the issue of drug abuse, stating that the organization aims to protect young people and reshape Africa’s future.
According to Lina, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has emphasized the importance of prevention, stating that investing in early prevention is the most effective way to protect future generations from the scourge of drug abuse.
She stressed the need for increased investment in prevention programmes, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of substance abuse.
Citing statistics she said 44 percent of Nigeria’s population engages in substance use, with 77 percent of users being youth, underscoring the need for urgent action to address this growing concern.
She announced that DFWA also launched its pioneering drug-abuse education workbook, “Steering Dynamic Drug-Free Youth,” designed to empower youth with knowledge and strengthen prevention efforts marking the beginning of a concerted effort to address the issue of drug abuse in Nigeria, and with collective action, we can create a brighter future for our youth and our nation.
