Kehinde Fajobi
At least 14 million Nigerians are struggling with drug addiction, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Deputy Commander of the NDLEA in Ondo State, Mrs. Yetunde Joyifous, revealed this on Wednesday, February 12, during a drug abuse awareness programme for secondary school students in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area. The event was organised by the Oijefon Youth Council.
Joyifous explained that the most commonly abused drugs are chemical substances that negatively alter users’ minds.
“The only way to curb the menace is to engage all stakeholders in the community to partner with the authorities in the fight against the dangerous business,” she said.
She noted that young people, particularly secondary school students, are the most vulnerable to drug abuse and called for intensified efforts to protect them.
In his address, the President of the Oijefon Youth Council, Adedokun Adeyonu, said the programme was aimed at discouraging drug abuse among youths.
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“Drug abuse means using harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in a way that harms your body and mind,” he stated.
Adeyonu attributed drug use to curiosity, peer pressure, and an attempt to escape life’s challenges. He also pointed to media influence as a contributing factor.
He urged society to play an active role in securing a better future for young people.