Lagos State government has warned young adults, particularly teenagers and youths against negative peer pressure that could lead them to indulging in drug and substance abuse and illicit trafficking activities.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, who gave the warning at school awareness and sensitisation programme to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lagos, noted that peer pressure has been linked to drug and substance abuse, misuse, addiction and illicit trafficking especially amongst teenagers and youths.
Speaking through the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Oyebisi Omolanbe, the permanent secretary, explained that people, particularly teenagers and youths may be obligated to use and abuse drugs and substances, if their peers are doing it.
“Peers play a significant role in our lives, especially in late childhood and adolescence, however, negative peer pressure with regards to misuses and abuse of drugs and substances as well as trafficking of the same comes with a lot of burden and negative consequences,” he said.
Speaking further, Ogboye stressed that young people must be equipped with skills and ability to take their mind off drugs, and stand up to say no to peers who may want to lure them into drug and substance abuse.
“We are here to sensitise, educate and empower young minds with information that will help them make the right choices. Knowledge, they say, is power; so, having the right information about the abuse of drugs and substance, and how to stay clear of it cannot be overemphasized.
“Drug and substance abuse can affect every aspect of a child’s life and also have a negative effect in the society. So, the earlier we nip it in the bud, the better for our youths and the society.
“It is important that the mental health of citizens is prioritised, stressing that the fight against the abuse of drugs is a collective responsibility of everyone,” he added.
The facilitator at the event, Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, explained that the abuse of substance could mess up the brain of a young person and lead to dependency as the brain of a young person is not fully developed and can affect the place of judgement.
