The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Abeokuta and Continental Europe Chapters, in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ogun State Command, have organised a sensitisation visit to schools in Abeokuta to mark the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The schools visited were Abeokuta Grammar School Idi-Aba and Baptist Boys’ High School, Oke Saje. The event was organised in light of the growing concern about the alarming increase of illicit substances consumption and abuse among in-school youths, out of school youths alike, and even the relatively older ones.
A high percentage of youths are at risk with an estimated figure of over 11 per cent said to consume substances like syrup, cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, cocaine, shisha mix, alcohol among others.
A high percentage of youths are at risk with an estimated figure of over 11 per cent said to consume substances like syrup, cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, cocaine, shisha mix, alcohol among others.
Two Principal Staff Officers, Drug Demand Reduction Units of the NDLEA, Mrs Oluseyi Morakinyo and Mr Frank Nwaohamuo, sensitised the students on the dangers inherent in drug abuse.
Morakinyo advised the students to focus on their studies, and that drugs have the potential to cut short their lives and destroy their future if they indulge in it. She further stressed that 95 per cent of mental cases may be connected to substance abuse.
Frank said people should stop discriminating against victims of drug abuse. He added that stigmatisation does not help the situation of such victims, instead they need support, care and love.
The NDLEA representatives noted that parents, teachers, communities, government and all stakeholders have important roles to play if they must put an end to the menace of drug abuse among students and secure the future of the country. They equally advised all to look out for signs of drug abuse by children and individuals around them. According to them, such signs include an outspoken child becoming suddenly withdrawn, a quite child suddenly becoming talkative, dry lips, bloodshot and watery eyes, among others.
They also said drug dealers are the most dangerous people on earth and not the users. They, therefore, appealed for concerted efforts to ensure the arrest and prosecution of traffickers and dealers.
The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, is nonprofit, nongovernmental, nonreligious and detribalised group which believes in identifying and fighting against the ills millitating against the attainment of a just and egalitarian society.
The group also hoisted a billboard message condemning drug abuse and espousing drug abuse prevention, at Onikolobo in front of MacJob Grammar School in Abeokuta.
