The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general of NAFDAC, issued the warning on Saturday during a keynote address at a “Catch-Them-Young” sensitisation programme for secondary school students.

Ms Adeyeye, represented by Harirah Abdullahi, chief regulatory officer at NAFDAC, emphasised the importance of the initiative, pointing out the alarming rate of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

The programme was inaugurated at Government Day Secondary School, Kamfanin Bobi, and Ma’azu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School, Kontagora.

The sensitisation is themed, “Your Future Counts: Say No to Illicit Drugs and Yes to Life.”

Ms Adeyeye highlighted that the programme aimed to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

“It is estimated that 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse,” said Ms Adeyeye. “This is a huge problem that requires urgent attention.” 

She clarified that the programme was not meant to frighten students but to engage them in honest conversations about the consequences of drug abuse and the importance of making informed decisions.

Ms Adeyeye also stressed the role of teachers and parents in addressing behavioural issues in students and combating drug abuse.

In his remarks, Mohammed Bagobin, principal of Government Day Secondary School, Kamfanin Bobi, thanked NAFDAC for selecting his school for the programme and promised to spread the message within the community.

Similarly, Muhammad Nayawo, principal of Ma’azu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School, Kontagora, expressed his gratitude for the initiative.

Mr Nayawo, represented by Abdulsalam Shaifu, Vice Principal 1, urged students to always check for NAFDAC’s registration numbers and expiration dates before purchasing products.

The programme was attended by 194 students at Government Day Secondary School, Kamfanin Bobi, and 310 participants at Ma’azu Ibrahim Commercial Secondary School, Kontagora.

(NAN)