As a measure to reduce the risk of mental illnesses and other risky behaviours associated with drug abuse among children, and youths, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) Abuja, has urged parents and teachers to educate them on the dangers of intake of the substances.
Dr Hope Omeiz, Executive Director of the centre disclosed this in a message to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day on Monday in Abuja
The World Drug Day event is marked on June 26 every year and this year’s theme is “Evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Omeiza explained that this year’s campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of treating people by providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion.
He said that children and youths who were not properly informed were at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviours and experimenting with drugs.
He identified parents and teachers as critical to the fight against rising drug addiction among different age groups, especially children, saying that young people who persistently abused substances often experienced problems.
“The campaign also aimed to combat stigma and discrimination against people who used drugs by promoting language and attitudes that were respectful and not judgmental.
“Parents and teachers need to pay adequate attention to their children and students. You need to see what they are doing and when they are misbehaving.
“Preventing illicit drugs begins with you. You are the ones who spend more time with these children, and having a drug-free society starts from the home, then the school.
“Despite challenges posed by drug abuse among youths, we do not doubt an organization that the impact can be mitigated through organized preventive actions.
“That is why we are leading the campaign to prevent a greater number of younger ones from drug abuse,” he said.
Omeiza noted that the fight against drug abuse should begin with families to help discourage the demand and supply of drugs to safeguard their future.
“Policy is very important and so far so good. There have been policies against drugs that are not accepted in society. Now, everybody should be on the lookout for our society.
”This is because sometimes, we realize that drugs that have been banned are still being sold, and when such is noticed, the best is to report the matter.
“We believe that if much effort is put into discouraging demand for drugs, suppliers will find the business no longer profitable and will be forced to switch to other legal business ventures.
“Parental monitoring and supervision of friendships are also critical for drug abuse prevention,” he said.
The executive director said that the organization had been engaging in advocacy and sensitization programs in building leaders with great attitudinal behaviour in society.
He urged more advocacy against drug abuse, saying that it does not only mean saving drug abusers but also saving the next generation.
“Now I’ll say information is power. This is the reason we are holding a National Youth conference on June 28 for young people on the dangers of engaging in drug abuse,” he said.
A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Nigeria showed that drug abuse in Nigeria was prevalent across educational levels and reached down to the secondary school level.
- FG Says It’s Working To Return IDPs To Their Homes - September 14, 2024
- Ministry Raises Alarm On Flooding Of Rivers Niger, Benue - September 14, 2024
- Army Kills Notorious Bandit Leader Who Trained Bello Turji - September 14, 2024