NDLEA, DFWA raise alarm about drug abuse crisis among youth

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, have raised the alarm over the wave of drug abuse.

They spoke at the official unveiling and launch of DFWA’s campaign activities against drugs in Abuja.

The event, themed “From Awareness to Action: Together We Can End Drug Abuse,” aims to raise 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 commitment to eradicating drug abuse and substance misuse in Nigeria, reaffirming a desire to work with stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Represented by an Assistant Director, Dr 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.

Ndubueze underscored the importance of community engagement and participation in prevention, emphasising the need for collective action to protect young people and promote a healthier lifestyle.

In her remarks, DFWA Country Director, Jon. Dr Lina Ikereke, emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing drug abuse, stating that the organisation aims to protect young people and reshape Africa’s future.

According to Dr Lina, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has emphasised 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 importance of sustained action to address the root causes of substance abuse.

Citing statistics, she said 44% of Nigeria’s population engages in substance use, with 77% of users being youth, underscoring the need for urgent action.

She announced that DFWA has also launched its pioneering drug-abuse education workbook, “Steering Dynamic Drug-Free Youth,” designed to empower youth with knowledge and strengthen prevention efforts.

This marks the beginning of a concerted effort to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria, and with collective action, a brighter future for the nation’s youth is possible.