Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has described as worrisome statistics by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) showing that 40 per cent of Nigerian youths abuse drugs.
The governor’s wife, who stated this, yesterday, during a one-day conference with the theme, “Youth involvement with drugs: Arresting the deadly cankerworm,” said the state’s policies and programmes would be tailored towards creating enabling and safe environment for all citizens to thrive and be productive.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Modinat Abolore, said: “This programme is quite apt considering the alarming rate at which youths’ involvement in substance abuse is shooting through the roof and jeopardising the potential of youth population that are needed to drive our vibrant economy.
“It is also a viable means of galvanising urgent responses from relevant stakeholders to address the threats posed to security, safety and sustainable development of our nation. Sanwo-Olu said as a concerned mother, she would enjoin youths to desist from drug abuse as its consequences are life threatening.
She added that intake of the substances affects not only the physical well-being but also the mental health of users and the public.
She, therefore, urged youths and children to be focused, resilient and poised towards impacting the society positively, as they are the pride of the nation and hope of a better society.
Convener of the conference, Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, said it is no more secret that drugs have taken centre stage in the society.
This, she said, calls for concern for future of the society.
She said all stakeholders must rally round the youths and provide alternative routes to channelling their energy away from drugs.
