The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has broadened its focus on illicit drug use and the de-stigmatisation of mental health failure, especially among youth and vulnerable communities, SULIYAT TELLA writes.
In recent years, Nigeria has experienced a significant spike in substance abuse rates with attendant mental health issues, especially among the youth. It was therefore not surprising when in July 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that 14.4 per cent of the country’s population, or approximately 14.3 million individuals aged between 15 and 64 years, engage in drug abuse, with cannabis the most commonly abused illicit drug in the country.
Recognising the debilitating impact of drug abuse on national development, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) launched comprehensive campaigns to reduce substance abuse and tackle the stigma around mental health.
In one of its strategic initiatives, the NOA launched an educational outreach programme that focuses on educational institutions as key points for its campaigns, which are executed in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Through these partnerships, the agency conducted workshops in secondary schools across the country.
The goal of these workshops is to educate students about mental health, promote positive behavioural changes, and raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. For example, in Abuja, students were warned about habits that could make them vulnerable to mental disorders, and how important the maintenance of good mental health is to national development.
At one of the workshops held at Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja, Moses Abah, Federal Capital Territory Director of NOA, told the students that mental health failures among them spell trouble for the nation.
“The brain-box of any population is the mental health of its young people. If these young people are mentally challenged, the nation is in trouble,” said Abah.
Responding to Abah, Mrs Chiakha Uwaikhena, Guidance Counsellor of Government Secondary School, Jabi, disclosed that some students smoke Indian hemp while others consume mind-altering drinks, therefore describing the campaign as timely. “This campaign is timely, as it would help them get off hard drugs,” she added.
Beyond schools, the NOA extended its outreach to communities, a sign of its acknowledgement of the role of societal influences in shaping individual conduct. In the North West geopolitical zone, a four-month campaign was launched to address drug abuse, illicit drug trade and domestic violence.
This initiative involves town hall meetings, community engagements, and advocacy visits, with the sole aim of mobilising communities against drug culture and associated crimes. The abuse of drugs and other substances and associated crime have been linked to a considerable increase in the number of youths imprisoned in recent years.
The agency’s understanding of the importance of localised approaches led it to partner with state agencies to tailor campaigns to specific regional challenges. In Delta State, for example, NOA teamed up with the Delta State Orientation Bureau to combat drug abuse and promote attitudinal change among youths. This collaboration focuses on statewide sensitisation campaigns and rehabilitation efforts for victims of illicit drug use.
Aware of the influence of traditional and religious leaders, the NOA engaged these influential figures in its campaigns to amplify its messages and foster community participation. In Lagos State, a two-week awareness programme was initiated, involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and clerics to educate the public on security consciousness and the dangers of the get-rich-quick syndrome, which is also linked to substance abuse.
The NOA’s overall approach fits into its CLHEEAN framework, focusing on Community-Led Health, Environment, Education, Anti-substance abuse and Narcotics, to address interconnected societal issues. The framework integrates mental health into broader social challenges.
Through the multi-faceted approach, the NOA continues to demonstrate a commitment to enhancing mental health awareness, integrating it into broader societal development initiatives. The approach has produced significant results, such as greater awareness of mental health issues and the dangers of substance abuse, particularly among students and young people.
Additionally, it has encouraged communities to take a more proactive stance in tackling these challenges, resulting in increased participation in awareness programmes. The campaigns have influenced policy discussions, resulting in stronger collaborations between federal and state agencies to address these issues.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. Among this is the prevalence of stigma around mental health issues, which inhibits victims from seeking help. Furthermore, the ongoing availability of illicit substances remains a significant threat. Both challenges can be effectively addressed through ongoing educational programmes aimed at highlighting the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of mental health.
Furthermore, implementing effective policies to restrict the distribution of illicit drugs is crucial. Establishing strong support systems, including counselling and rehabilitation centres, will also aid in recovery and re-integration. Collective efforts from all sectors of society are essential, and the various campaigns on mental health and substance abuse mark a significant step toward addressing these issues as they focus on education, community engagement, and strategic collaborations.
