The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sensitised Government Day Secondary School Karu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on the dangers of illicit drug abuse and alcohol consumption by underage children.
It also inaugurated Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) at Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Karu, as part of its efforts to combat drug abuse among young people.
The sensitisation programme tagged, “Catch Them Young”, aimed at tackling the growing menace of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Speaking at the launch, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, raised concerns as she estimated that 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.
Adeyeye, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substance, Dr. Paul Kamai, also said research findings show that one out of every four high-risk drug users have been arrested for drug-related offences, including possession, 73%, theft,12 %, sex work, 5 %, burglary, 4 %, and shoplifting, 2%.
She noted that this data only shows the number of arrests. If we consider that most crimes go unreported, then, we will see that we have a huge problem on our hands.
“Two-thirds of people who abuse drugs report having serious problems as a result. These problems include, missing school or work, doing poor jobs at work or school and even neglecting their family or children. These show us the bane of our society and why we must do all we can to protect our nation”. She stated.
The DG also explained that the NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme is a comprehensive and coordinated intensive programme focused on secondary schools, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse amongst secondary school students.
She added that drug addiction can arise from both legal such as prescribed medicines and illicit drugs.
“This programme is not designed to scare anyone, but to have honest conversations with you. This will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption.”
Also from the Pharmacovigilance Directorate, Pharmacist Nura Aminu, further educated students on the harmful effects of drug abuse on their mental and physical health.
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He explained the difference between counterfeit and substandard drugs and how young people can identify and avoid them.
He also encouraged students to join NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club(NCSC) stating that they were needed in the fight against drug abuse to keep society safe.
The Principal of GDSS Karu, Mrs Omotolani Akinje expressed gratitude to NAFDAC for introducing the initiative to the school.
Akinje acknowledged that many students were unaware of the dangers of drug abuse, often falling into the habit due to peer pressure.
“Many of them don’t know the implications of taking illegal drugs. Sometimes, they get introduced to it by their friends without understanding the dangers.
“But with this foundation laid by NAFDAC, we will continue mentoring our students through our guidance and counselling unit to ensure they stay away from drugs”, she said.
Gideon Ogbonna, an SS2 student at GDSS, noted that he had learned the names of different illicit drugs and their effects on mental health.
“Now, if my friends are talking about these things, I will understand and be able to make the right choices,” he said.
Similarly, Gladys Nnamani, another student, expressed her appreciation for the knowledge gained about NAFDAC’s role in regulating drugs and ensuring consumer safety.
“I learned about the street names of drugs and how people use them to deceive others. This knowledge will help me stay away from drug abuse and report any suspicious activities,” she said.
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