*’Mixing alcoholic drinks kill faster’

A non-profit organisation, Initiative for Care, Advocacy, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (I-CARE), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has carried out a sensitisation campaign for traders and residents of Gwagwalada Market in Abuja, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of hard drug abuse and illicit substance use.

The event which is part of activities marking I-CARE’s 2026 Mental Health Awareness Week, was themed, ‘Action for yourself, for all of us, for someone else’.

During the outreach programme, officials of both organisations educated market men and women on the health, social and economic consequences of drug abuse, stressing the need for individuals and communities to stay away from illicit substances.

In his remarks, Public Relations Officer of I-CARE, Talubi Olusegun, said the sensitisation campaign was organised to educate members of the public, particularly traders and youths, on the devastating effects of substance abuse and the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing.

He noted that drug abuse remains a major threat to individuals, families and communities, contributing to mental health disorders, crime, violence and loss of productivity. According to him, the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week underscores the collective responsibility of individuals and society in promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.

Olusegun urged participants to shun the use of illicit substances and seek professional help whenever they experience emotional or psychological difficulties. He also called on community leaders, parents and market associations to join hands in creating awareness and supporting efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse among young people.

He reaffirmed I-CARE’s commitment to advocacy, rehabilitation and empowerment programmes targeted at vulnerable groups, adding that the organisation would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to promote mental health awareness and build drug-free communities across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Assistant Director, Community Awareness, Directorate of Prevention and Sensitisation of the NDLEA, Peter Njokwu, warned that the abuse of hard drugs and the indiscriminate mixing of alcoholic beverages pose serious risks to both physical and mental health.

He explained that many young people unknowingly endanger their lives by combining different alcoholic drinks and consuming illicit substances, stressing that such practices can lead to addiction, organ damage, mental health disorders and, in severe cases, sudden death.

According to him, most alcohol-related emergencies stem from the indiscriminate mixing of spirits, beer, wine and locally brewed drinks, a trend he described as dangerous and avoidable. He also noted that drug abuse remains a major public health concern, contributing to road accidents, domestic violence, mental health disorders and reduced productivity.

The NDLEA official noted that it has become a growing concern in many communities, affecting not only users but also their families and society at large. He urged traders and residents of Gwagwalada to remain vigilant and support efforts to identify and discourage drug-related activities within their communities.

Njokwu, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics at the anti-narcotic law enforcement agency, also encouraged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children and wards, warning that peer pressure, curiosity and lack of proper guidance often push young people into substance abuse. He emphasised the need for continuous education and awareness campaigns to stem the tide of drug abuse across the country.

According to him, prevention remains the most effective strategy in the fight against drug abuse, adding that the agency would continue to collaborate with organisations such as I-CARE, community groups and other stakeholders to promote a drug-free society.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, he identified cannabis as the most widely abused illicit substance in the area, while noting that alcohol remains the most commonly abused social drug.

He said: “We call them polydrug users, anybody that is using more than one drug simultaneously. It is not good for the health, and this alcohol mixing kills faster, it damages the liver, the kidney, and the organs in the body. And that is why we are telling them not to even go into it at all, because if you go to the hospitals and you see what is happening, people are having liver problem as a result of drinks. Alcohol is not good, most especially Ogororo and concoction. They don’t know what they used to mix it, and it’s very, very dangerous. That’s why we’re telling people not go to into it at all”.

Participants at the event commended the organisations for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They pledged to share the knowledge gained with their families, colleagues and neighbours, while also supporting ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse and promote mental wellbeing in their communities.