The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned students in Oyo State to avoid alcohol and substance abuse, which can lead to death and mental health disorders.

Speaking at the “Catch-Them-Young” inauguration of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) for secondary school students at Ajibode High School, Akinyele Local Government, Oyo State, with the theme: “Your Future Counts! Say No to Illicit Drugs and Yes to Life”, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed concern over the widespread use of alcohol and substance abuse among adolescents.

NCSC is one of the agency’s special public enlightenment strategies targeting the youths in the society in its effort to eradicate fake and substandard regulated products and enthrone a quality culture, while employing the use of cutting-edge technology to track counterfeit products.

Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of NAFDAC’s South West Zone, Mrs Roseline Ajayi, warned that alcohol and hard substance consumption could severely affect physical, emotional, social, and academic development.

The DG said, “These are dangerous for adolescents like you, and you must learn to resist the urge to engage in drinking alcohol. Once you start, you may not be able to stop.

“It is time you, as young Nigerians, realised that this alcohol abuse is destroying families, the workforce, and destabilising our economy. All these pose a great threat to the future of good governance in Nigeria.

‘’Negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include drug dependence, poor judgment, sexual activity, mental health disorders, and changes in school performance.

‘’Health consequences of drug abuse include drug addiction, serious impairment, illness and death; risk of damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys from long-term use; risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem-solving and concentration; risk of psychosis, such as schizophrenia, and hallucination or paranoia.’’

Adeyeye also called on the students to be agents of change by propagating the right virtues through the activities of the NCSC.

She said: “NAFDAC has taken the campaign against drug abuse to the grassroots by reestablishing NCSC in secondary schools where we will, in collaboration with the school teachers, alongside junior and senior secondary school students, catch them young and prevent drug addiction.

“You are urged to use your membership of NAFDAC of NCSC to assist in information flow on NAFDAC regulatory activities and promote the fight against drug abuse, fake and counterfeit regulated products.

‘’NAFDAC’s mission is to mould a future generation that is not only empowered to be upright but also to demand uprightness from others. The reality is that the fight against drug abuse is a fight for the future of Nigeria.

The NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme is a comprehensive and coordinated intensive programme focused on secondary schools, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

“This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have an honest conversation with you, which will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption.’’

Earlier, NAFDAC Assistant Chief Regulator Officer, Mrs Ayombo Ogunyemi, urged the schools to shun drug abuse and peer pressure.

Ogunyemi said their future counted, and they must say no to illicit drug consumption.

Also, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr Samuel Adeyemi, said students, parents and teachers have roles to play in curbing substance abuse. Adeyemi, therefore, urged all to play their unique role for the betterment of society.

The school Principal, Mrs Oyepeju Adedeji, appreciated NAFDAC for the gesture, saying the school would keep the flag flying.