THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday called for cooperation among relevant agencies in the fight against drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
The NDLEA Commander in Edo, Mr Buba Wakawa, made the call in Auchi at the maiden Drug Awareness Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo.
“It is important for relevant agencies to work together to effectively tackle the problem of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
“Such cooperation would go a long way towards effectively tackling the different aspects of drug abuse among our youths,’’ he said.
Wakama said that the command would not relent in its efforts to stamp out the menace of drug abuse in Edo, adding that a continuous campaign would be staged in the state to achieve the goal.
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“Drug abuse among our youths is almost like a war, which could wipe out three generations if we are not careful.
“While the government is doing its best to curb the importation of illicit drugs into the country, parents should also do their best to control their children and wards from indulging in drug abuse.
“The public needs to understand that they should also support the NDLEA in tackling the menace of hard drugs,’’ he said.
Mr Yakubu Musa, the Chairman of Etsako West LGA, urged Nigerians, especially parents and guardians, to pay adequate attention to the upbringing of their children and wards, describing youths as one of the most vulnerable groups in the society.
“Our local government will mobilise all our students to stay out of drugs; we will bring those who are already addicted out in our campaign so as to let them know the adverse effects of drug abuse. We will also teach them how to stay out of drugs.
“From homes to schools and every other place, we will stage the campaign. Through the campaign, our people would be able to adjust and know the dire consequences of being a drug addict,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Mr Bolaji Adisa, the NDLEA Commander in Auchi, said that the drug awareness quiz competition was to educate the youth on the dangers of drug abuse and its consequences on human health.
He said that five schools, out of the 28 schools that initially participated in the quiz contest, were shortlisted for the final stage.
“The programme was conceived and initiated because of its direct benefits to the students.
“Our intention is to make these children work harder and be serious with their studies; we also want to make them ambassadors of the enlightenment campaign on drug abuse in their various homes and communities.
“This can only be achieved if they themselves know what the scourge is all about and the negative consequences of illicit drugs on our people.
“The positive results in our society, which we expected, are already coming of this quiz competition, and this lends credence to the fact that when a solid foundation is laid, the future is certainly assured,’’ he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ughiole Secondary School emerged the winner of the quiz competition with a score of 17 points, while Jattu Senior Secondary School came second with 15 points.
Afashio Mixed Secondary School secured the third position with 14 points.
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