The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says no fewer than 14 million Nigerians are estimated to abuse harmful drugs.

The deputy commander, Ondo state command, NDLEA, Yetunde Joyifous, made the disclosure at a drug abuse awareness programme, organised by Oijefon youth for secondary schools in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

Ms Joyifous said that drugs consumed were mostly chemical substances that have the ability to change the mind of users negatively.

According to her, the only way to curb the menace is to engage all stakeholders in the community to partner with the authorities in the fight against the dangerous business.

“I want to thank the Oijefon Youth Council for partnering with NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse in society,” she noted.

She, however, described the younger people, especially at the secondary school level, as the most vulnerable victims of the drug abuse, adding that effort must be intensified to salvage them from engagement.

In his address of welcome, the president of Oijefon Youth Council, Adedokun Adeyonu, said the council organised the sensitisation programme to discourage youths from drug abuse.

“Drug abuse means using harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in a way that harms your body and mind,” he noted.

He explained that many people use drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or to overcome problems in their lives, thinking that it was the only solution.

Mr Adeyonu also identified peer group, influence, watching movies or listening to music as factors that push youths into drug abuse.

He urged members of the society to help in creating prosperous life for the younger generation.

The event attracted secondary school students in Ile Oluji and officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA). 

(NAN)