The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated its Consumer Safety Club in secondary schools in Niger.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, the inauguration of the club was part of the agency’s catch-them-young initiative, aimed at sensitising secondary school students on the dangers of illicit drugs in Niger.

Mrs Adeyeye inaugurated the NCSC at Maryam Babangida Girls Science College in Minna on Wednesday.

Represented by the coordinator of NAFDAC in Niger, James Kigbu, the director-general disclosed that 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians were victims of drug abuse.

She described the situation as “alarming” and highlighted the need for collective action to address the issue.

“This epidemic of drug, including alcohol, abuse was destroying families, the workforce, and destabilising our economy,” she said.

She noted that the catch-them-young initiative was designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

She explained that the programme would focus on educating students about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making informed decisions.

Mrs Adeyeye also emphasised the role of teachers in the fight against drug abuse, urging them to work with parents and guardians to identify and address behavioural problems in students.

The director-general further noted that NAFDAC’s mission was to mould a future generation empowered to be upright and to demand uprightness from others.

Mrs Adeyeye also encouraged students to resist peer pressure, abstain from drug abuse, and seek professional help when needed.

She urged the students to develop hobbies, concentrate on their studies, and be content with what they have.

The director-general urged the students to leverage their membership in the NCSC to assist in information flow on NAFDAC regulatory activities and promote the fight against drug abuse.

In her remarks, the school Principal, Amina Attahiru, commended NAFDAC for its initiative to educate students on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Ms Attahiru, represented by the vice principal, Florence Jacob, urged the students to take the opportunity seriously and learn about the dangers of illicit drugs.

The coordinator of the NCSC in Niger, Maryam Masaga, thanked the school management for honouring and giving the agency the opportunity to carry out the sensitisation.

The event featured presentations on the role of young people in the prevention of substance/drug abuse and the role of NAFDAC NCSC in safeguarding the health of the nation. 

(NAN)