14 million Nigerians abuse drugs: NDLEA
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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Ibadan
Kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren, teachers regain freedom after about two months in captivity
The release of the victims followed a series of sustained protests over the prolonged captivity of the victims.
Agriculture
Plateau govt. procures 500 truckloads of fertiliser for sale at subsidised rate
The governor directed that fertiliser be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of N20,000 per bag.
Economy
Court clears FCCPC to investigate air ticket pricing complaints
Mr Bello said investigating consumer complaints was fundamentally different from regulating prices.
States
National Cash Transfer: 1,908 vulnerable residents receive debit cards in Edo
The initiative is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the World Bank, and the National Cash Transfer Office.
Africa
Rwanda spent $32 million on fuel subsidies in four months: Minister
He said the subsidies were to shield consumers and businesses from surging oil prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.
Heading 3
FG to integrate 80 million Nigerian students into NIMC database
He said the ministry had integrated the National Learners’ Identification Number (LIN) with the NIN through the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
