The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and other stakeholders have urged collective efforts to curb drug abuse among youths across the country.

The call was made on Saturday during the International Youth Day celebration themed ‘Youth as Catalyst for Public Health Policy: Pathway to Address Drug Abuse Locally’ organised by NYCN, Lagos mainland chapter.

Speaking at the event, Olalekan Oba, senior special assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on social development, stressed the importance of early intervention.

Mr Oba said: “Young people not yet exposed to drugs need engagement. Catching them young and educating them can safeguard their dreams and future.”

Mr Oba, a former NYCN Lagos chairman, identified drug abuse as a leading cause of mental health challenges among young people.

He explained that drug abuse might not hinder financial success immediately but eventually damages mental health, relationships, and future aspirations.

The aide urged youths to heed parental guidance, maintain social balance, avoid harmful habits, and prioritise health over temporary pleasures.

He added that while rehabilitation continues under Lagos State’s Kick Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) initiative, greater focus is now placed on prevention.

According to him, the state recently introduced the Drug Abuse Preventive Advocacy (DAPA) project to sensitise primary and secondary school pupils before exposure to drugs.

Earlier, NYCN mainland coordinator, Dare Kuti, stressed the need for collaborative action against drug abuse.

He said International Youth Day was not just symbolic, but a moment to celebrate youth strength, creativity, and responsibility in building a stronger society.

Mr Kuti underscored the urgency of addressing drug abuse as one of the most pressing social issues confronting communities today.

“Youths are not only vulnerable; we are change agents. Through effective policies and collective action, we can reverse drug abuse in society,” Mr Kuti declared.

He expressed appreciation to government bodies, health institutions, youth organisations, community leaders, and the media for their continued support of youth development.

According to him, such partnerships will strengthen the campaign against drug abuse while fostering sustainable development.

Media professional Rukayah Giwa also urged youths to unite against drug abuse and take responsibility for awareness creation.

She said young people hold the power to drive change, stressing awareness, creativity, policy representation, and responsibility as crucial steps to eradicating drug abuse.

Ms Giwa, a youth advocate, noted peer pressure and environment as major triggers but urged youths to use their voices and platforms to counter drug culture.

She said: “Little conversations matter. You don’t need big gatherings to create impact. Start with your neighbour, your friend, in the language you both understand.”

She encouraged youths to harness technology and social media for anti-drug advocacy, stressing their impact is stronger than traditional flyers.

Ms Giwa also challenged youths to engage in policy-making instead of leaving decisions to older generations disconnected from youth realities.

“The moment we view this fight as our collective responsibility, change will follow,” she said.

Also speaking, Bashiru Bakare of the National Orientation Agency, Lagos Mainland, urged youths to obey laws and live responsibly.

“Obey the rules of the land and government in return owes you security, education, and a better life,” he stated.

Mr Bakare urged youths to speak out when witnessing wrongdoing, to avoid becoming victims themselves.

(NAN)