On Wednesday, in Abuja, the current chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa, issued a cautionary statement to young Nigerians regarding the perils associated with the consumption of illegal substances.
General Marwa dispensed advice during a lecture given on his behalf at the National Institute for Cultural Orientation’s (NICO) 2023 Annual Public Lecture. The lecture had “Culture, drug abuse, and the future of Nigerian youths’’ as its theme.
NICO has been praised by Mrs. Anthonia Madubuike from NDLEA’s Department of Drug Demand Reduction, which represented Marwa, for his thoughtful and entrepreneurial approach to organizing the annual lecture series.
Marwa said the event shows NICO’s dedication to ending drug abuse. It raises awareness of the dangers of the problem at the right time. Members of society are also informed about their role in the prevention, treatment, and care of drug misuse.
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Substance abuse results in medical, social, economic, and psychological consequences for the user, their family, and society at large. Substance abuse among youths leads to academic problems, health issues, and bad relationships with peers. This behavior can spiral into involvement in the legal system and violent, suicidal behavior. Negative consequences also include low performance, dropping out of school, and poor health, leading to debt and wasted resources.
Drug users often turn to crimes such as cultism, thuggery, kidnapping, terrorism, racketeering, and armed robbery. Hence, it is important to empower young people through quality education, skills training, employment, healthcare, and social support. “Drug abuse needs a comprehensive approach through accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Education and awareness should focus on risks and enhancing protective factors such as family and community support.” Schools should cover drug abuse to convey dangers and target youth, principals, teachers, counselors, and administrators.