A staggering 14 million Nigerians are estimated to be addicted to drug abuse, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This alarming figure was revealed by Mrs. Yetunde Joyifous, Deputy Commander of the Ondo State Command of NDLEA, during a drug abuse awareness program organized by Oijefon Youth for secondary schools in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area.
The NDLEA emphasized that the drugs commonly consumed are chemical substances that can negatively alter users’ minds. To combat this menace, Joyifous stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the community to partner with authorities in the fight against drug abuse.
Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse:
- Peer Pressure: Many youths are influenced by their peers to try drugs.
- Curiosity: Some individuals experiment with drugs out of curiosity.
- Influences from Media: Watching movies or listening to music that glorify drug use can also contribute to drug abuse.
The NDLEA and Oijefon Youth Council are working together to educate secondary school students about the dangers of drug abuse and to discourage its use. The agency urges members of society to help create a prosperous life for the younger generation, free from the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Source: Vanguard
