Drug & Substance AbuseYouths Can Achieve Success Without Drugs – Ondo Govt.

AKURE — The Ondo State Committee on Drug Control has advised youths in the state to shun drug abuse, saying that they could still achieve success without indulging in the usage of stimulants.

Mrs. Folukemi Aladenola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, stated this during a sensitisation on the menace of drug abuse at the Foursquare Gospel Church, FUTA Area, on Sunday, March 13 in Akure.

Speaking on the need for sensitisation, Aladenola, a pharmacist, said, “We have seen a lot of youths under the influence of drugs especially psychiatric drugs and that is why the ministry has taken the sensitisation and education of youths against the use of illicit drug seriously.

“So, we go round schools, religious gatherings and talk to our youths on why they should stay out of drug abuse. We also talk to parents so that they can address them at home.

“They can still achieve success without stimulants.”

She stated that the ministry does not stop at the sensitisation level but engages in feedback and has put in place mechanisms to restore those addicted to drug abuse.

“After the sensitisation, we do follow-ups if we have cases of people that have already abused drugs. That is why we involve psychiatric hospitals in partnering with us to restore people that are already addicted. We put in measure to correct, not just mere sensitisation,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Sunday Sajo, a Consultant Psychiatrist, noted that drug abuse had become a major public health problem, saying its effects could be seen mainly among the youths.

Sajo added that the high rate of criminalities in society could be attributed to the increased involvement of youths in drug abuse.

According to him, drug abusers have become slaves to drugs, hence the need to stay out of drugs.

Explaining that drug abuse affects sense of reasoning and vital parts of the body, the consultant advised parents and guardians to keep a keen watch over their children and wards.

On his part, Mr. Gbenga Lasekan, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services of the ministry, said that human existence would continue to remain in danger if the issue of drug abuse is not properly addressed.

Lasekan, a pharmacist, noted that there is no community without cases of drug abuse, saying that it is easier to avoid drug abuse than living in addiction.

In her remarks, Mrs. Yetunde Jeyifous, Assistant Commander of Narcotics Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Ondo, stated that the sensitisation was to enlighten the populace and dissuade young minds from drug abuse.

Jeyifous said drug abuse is not a respecter of anybody and tasked youths to avoid friends and environment that encourage drug abuse, saying that there is a need for them to live a healthy life.

She further advised drug abusers to consult the appropriate agencies for correction and counselling.

Responding, Prof. Michael Oyinloye, the Resident Pastor of the church, lauded the ministry for carrying out the sensitisation which he described as interesting and educative and promised that the church would continue to sensitise the youths and interact with them as they are more vulnerable.