Think-Tank on Nigeria (TTON) has identified government policies among contributory factors to substance abuse in the country.
This was as Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) called on the government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to put more effort in the fight against drug abuse.
According to a communiqué issued, yesterday, by TTON’s boss, Dideolu Falobi, substance abuse, commonly referred to as drug abuse, involves the misuse of either legal or illegal drugs for non-therapeutic purposes, lamenting that the issue is a growing concern, negatively impacting individuals, families, communities, and nations at large.
The communiqué stated that cultural norms and traditions play a major role in the menace, as well as limited access to education and healthcare services.
The policy advocacy platform representing different geopolitical zones of the country identified other factors as psychological distress, which could be triggered, as well as an unstable family environment or the absence of family support.
TTON, however, charged parents to always strive to act as friends, rather than authority figures, to their teenagers during the pivotal stage, noting that adolescence could be daunting, and without proper guidance, young individuals might feel isolated and lost.
The group says preventing and eradicating substance abuse necessitates a holistic approach, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders: individuals, families, community organisations, law enforcement bodies, healthcare professionals and governmental entities.
EXECUTIVE Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza, made the call on stakeholders during the flag off of the Youth Alive Drug Abuse, Sensitisation, Self-Awareness and Treatment Project for Gbagalape Community in Nyanya Extension, Abuja.
In collaboration with the Soaring Youth Foundation, the group is targeting the provision of therapy and empowerment for 1,000 youths in Abuja by the end of next year.
The project was also carried out in partnership with the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Shekinah International Gospel Ministry, Abuja.
Omeiza called for partnership with relevant agencies, including corporate organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the youths in becoming more productive.
He said “It is not enough to just train them to get out of drugs. What is next for them? This is why we are calling on those who mean well for Nigeria to key into this project and empower people who have been rehabilitated. That way, they will be well integrated, so they don’t go back to the menace.
“We are faced with terrorism and insecurity. Our productivity as a country is going down by the day and this is a cause for concern. The drivers of development are the youths. So, there is no development a nation can boast of or aspire to without youths being in their right minds to develop and then develop Nigeria. That is why this project is of utmost importance and should call naturally those who are interested in Nigeria’s development,” he said.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, lauded VGADA for the initiative and commended the good work the organisation had been doing to ensure the country was free of illicit drugs.
Marwa, represented by the Assistant Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Chidi Ndukwu, commended Omeiza and his team for their commitment to drug-free society.
