151 million youths at risk of hard drugs, NDLEA chief Marwa warns
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has charged parents and other stakeholders to ensure that hard drugs are kept away from young Nigerians.
NDLEA chair Buba Marwa made the call at the Realnews Magazine 10th anniversary lecture on Thursday in Lagos.
“The truth is instead of a boom, they (Nigerian youths) could become a burden because of abuse of illicit substances,” warned Mr Marwa.
In a statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Mr Marwa warned that complacency could compromise the bright future ahead of the youth population.
“Let me leave us with a thought-provoking submission about the danger of complacency in tackling drug abuse among youths. By 2030, demographic factors project the number of people using drugs to rise by 11 per cent around the world, and as much as 40 per cent in Africa alone,” explained the NDLEA chief. “This is an early warning that we should all take seriously and ensure that we keep our young people away from dangerous substances that compromise the bright future ahead of them.”
Mr Marwa stressed that instead of benefitting from the advantages of the huge youth population in Nigeria, the reverse might be the case. This, he said, would be if relevant stakeholders failed to stand up and join ongoing efforts against the drug scourge.
“It is globally recognised that one of Africa’s comparative advantages is its huge youth population. This country, Nigeria, for instance, has no less than 151 million young people, accounting for 70 per cent of our estimated 217 million population,” added the NDLEA boss.
He pointed out that “most of us don’t know what that means,” emphasising that youth “means creativity, strength, resourcefulness and productivity.”
“But how do we rake in these benefits when a significant number of this population is involved in the abuse of illicit substances?” said Mr Marwa and revealed that the NDLEA had initiated some youth-focused measures to safeguard them against the pressures and temptations of going into drugs, including War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
“Other measures include an open-door treatment at 26 NDLEA treatment facilities across the country,” he said.
(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
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.”
NationWide
Number of weapons in hands of non-state actors in Nigeria ‘very alarming’, says GO
“We need to take out these weapons in our midst; we need solutions; we need to think out of the box so we can take away these weapons.”
Abuja
Court refuses to vacate order restraining Secondus, Omehia from attending PDP leadership meetings
The restraining orders were made in relation to three substantive suits filed against the three chieftains of the PDP by some party members in Rivers.
NationWide
DHQ says troops eliminated 192 terrorists, captured 341 criminals in one week
The Defence Headquarters says its troops have, in the last week, killed 192 terrorists, apprehended 341 others and rescued 62 kidnapped hostages.
World
Iran vows to retaliate should Israel attack its nuke sites
A senior Iranian military commander threatened on Thursday to target Israel’s “nuclear facilities” should it attack Iran’s nuclear sites.
Agriculture
Global Warming: More shocks expected in 2024, says World Meteorological Organisation
WMO says due to global warming, there will be more weather and climate shocks in 2024.
States
Governor Abiodun donates 25 patrol vehicles, drones to Ogun police command
Mr Abiodun noted that the vehicles and ultra-modern drone facilities would assist in combating crime in the state.
