Pharmacists sensitise secondary school students against drug abuse in Osun

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The Association of Community Pharmacists Of Nigeria (ACPN), has sensitised eight secondary schools against drug abuse in Osun State.

The association noted that the sensitisation was part of its ongoing 2023 pharmacy week and aimed at preventing further spread of drug abuse in the society.

The state chairman of the association, Pharmacist Bankole Kamorudeen, who spoke to our correspondent in Osogbo, on Wednesday, disclosed that Iwo grammar school, Iwo, Akinorun grammar school, Ikirun, Igbonnibi high school, Ila-orangun, Oluorogbo high school, Ile-Ife, Osogbo grammar school, Osogbo, Ilesa grammar school, Ilesa, ADC grammar school, Apomu, Ede high school, Ede were selected across the three senatorial districts in the state.

He noted that the involvement of youth in drug abuse has posed a danger to the security of the nation, saying that efforts must be made by all stakeholders to prevent the students from derailing.

Kamorudeen stated that drug abuse has become a global trend, saying that the government must not be left alone in the fight against drug abuse.

He said, “In Nigeria, substance abuse is becoming a culture as youths in different parts of the country are engaging in the habit of using psychoactive substances which are harmful to human health.

“Substance abuse comes in many different forms and can happen for many different reasons. Some of our youths are hooked at tender ages due to peer pressure and social influence.

“The 2021 World Drug Report produced by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime reveals that almost half a million people were killed in 2019 as a result of drug use, while drug use disorders resulted in 18 million years of healthy lives lost, mostly due to opioids. One in four deaths result from illicit, or drug use, and more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities are associated with drug abuse than any other preventable health condition.

“With this data, all hands must be on deck to arrest this menace in our society. The government, parents, NGOs, and professional bodies like ours must work together to arrest the disturbing trend. The innocent minds must be given proper orientation from derailing against drug abuse,” Kamorudeen said.