drug abuse
A consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Olajumoke Koyejo, has raised concern over the growing rate of psychoactive substance use among the youths, noting that about 300 patients in the hospital were diagnosed of substance use.

Speaking at an health seminar themed: ‘Substance Use Prevention: The Way Go’, organised by Christ Hospital Ministry (CHM), as part of events marking its 22nd anniversary, she described drug abuse as pleasure-giving, capable of destroying lives and impacting negatively on the society.

She said: “Substance use is fast becoming a pandemic owing to its prevalent across all ages and regions. All evidence has shown that psychoactive substance use is harmful to our health and there must be adequate measures to discourage the youths from indulging in it.”

To change the narratives, she said schools and parents have a huge role to play in curbing the menace, emphasising that children, at the age four, should be taught life skills and moral values towards saving the next generations.

“In 300m radius of every school, there shouldn’t be a brothel or restaurant,” she enthused. Koyejo advised schools not to expel students found abusing drugs, but put them in a rehab, saying such steps would help curtail the menace.

Calling on security agencies to partner with non-profit organisations championing this course, she appealed that students in private institutions of learning should be carried along.

In his remarks, President CHM, Reverend Samuel Ajibola, said the ministry is committed to transforming and touching lives through various initiatives by praying and supporting the less-privileged. He expressed worry over the damage drug abuse has caused the youths.