The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of illicit drug use.

The group expressed concern that about 50 per cent of out-of-school children in Nigeria are involved in drug abuse and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to urgently implement policies to address the problem.

Tagged Global March, the event’s theme, “Louder Together: Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Homelessness,” was chosen to highlight the association’s commitment to humanitarian causes, according to Capoon Ash Montana Deck, Ganiyu Omitogun.

Omitogun lamented that many children turn to substances such as Tramadol, marijuana, codeine, and heroin to escape problems linked to broken homes. He urged parents and guardians to promote harmony in their homes to safeguard their children’s future.

He cited factors such as lack of access to quality education, unemployment, peer pressure, and economic hardship as major drivers of drug abuse among children and youths, stressing the need for intensified campaigns by both government and individuals.

“We conducted a campaign against drug abuse, involving not only our branch but other branches worldwide.

This global march reflects our dedication to humanitarian causes and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse,” Omitogun said. He added: “We observed that over 50 per cent of out-of-school children are involved in drug abuse. During our march through the streets of Abeokuta — from Kuto to Stadium, to Iwe-Iroyin, Phone Tarmac, Omida, and Sapon — we collaborated with the NDLEA to educate people about the harmful effects of drug abuse on health.”

Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Ogun Command, Morakinyo Oluseyi, explained that the agency partnered with NAS to increase awareness and sensitise residents, especially children and youth, about the dangers of drug abuse.

Oluseyi stressed the importance of educating the public about the risks associated with drug use, noting that many individuals are still unaware of its consequences.