Group moves to reduce alcoholism among youths in FCT

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has launched the SMASHED programme aimed at discouraging underage consumption of alcohol and reducing the incidence of alcohol-related harm amongst young in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu said that underage consumption of alcohol is one issue that requires interventions through moral education adding that with the advent of social media, children are exposed to all forms of influences, both positive and negative.

He stressed the need to inculcate right values and principles in children to guide them through life and also ensure that school curriculum are robust to reflect the need of the society.

The minister who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Andrew Apeh noted that government and the private sector have a shared social obligation to make a positive impact on the society and commended the BSG for the bold initiative and for disregarding the commercial gains and take a firm stance against consumption of alcohol among people below the age of 18 years.

Adamu stated that the project would empower adolescents to make the right choices and take the right decisions to reduce underage consumption of alcohol in the country.

Earlier, the Chairman BSG and the Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. Baker Magunda explained that SMASHED is a global project that started in 2005 adding that the idea behind the project is to use drama and theater help adolescents understand the dangers of alcohol use.

He noted that the outcome of the project is intended to empower young people make the right choices.

According to him, BSG is using this medium to deal with the social issue that we know exist, we brew, produce and market alcohol, and we if used responsibly, alcohol is a good thing but if abused, especially by minors, it harms their health”.