Stakeholders, Journalists Sensitize Students On Danger Of Drug Abuse

LAGOS – Security workers and journalists from the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) have asked for more joint efforts to stop young people from using drugs.

This call was made at an event called "Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis" on Monday in Lagos, Nigeria. It was part of CRAN's 2022 International Day against drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking.

People at the event said that drug abuse, especially among young people, needs to be treated like an emergency because it is now a big worry for security agencies, parents, teachers, and people in power.

In his speech, Mr. Olalekan Olabulo, who is the President of CRAN, said that the country is in a boiling mess because so many young people, especially students and pupils, now use drugs every day everywhere.

"Most of them drink cough syrups, Indian hemp, and over-the-counter drugs like rophynol, tramadol, diazepam, and lexotan, which are controlled substances and should only be sold with a doctor's prescription.

"As a result, there are more cases of banditry, kidnapping, unwanted pregnancies, burglary, homes being broken into, and an increase in crime."

He said, "The crisis has gotten worse and is now an economic, social, and health crisis that poses a serious threat to society as a whole if it isn't stopped."

Olabulo said that CRAN joined the UN program to stop drug abuse and human trafficking, which had become terrible problems that hurt young people and tore society apart.

Mr. Ayinde Aileru, who is in charge of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos State, said that hard drugs are a big problem for the whole country.

The commander, who wasn't there in person but was represented by Mr. Oke Semai, Assistant Commandant, Asset and Financial Investigations, said that young people need to know the dangers of doing drugs.

He told parents to look for certain signs in their kids to find out if they were using drugs or not.

"Some of the signs are pulling away from friends, looking different, having bloodshot eyes, not doing well in school, looking different, wearing perfume for no reason, and licking sweets.

"Drugs are any substances you put in your body that make you think or act differently. He said, "They are controlled drugs that you shouldn't take without a doctor's prescription."

The head of the police force in Lagos state, CP Abiodun Alabi, said that drug use was a big reason why people broke the law. He said this through the command's spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.

"Drugs can make you crazy and make it hard to plan for the future. Students should stay out of trouble and pay attention in class so they don't end up in jail.

"Watch out, don't try drugs, and don't give in to peer pressure. Using drugs will ruin your life and leave you with nothing.

Alabi said, "If a child or teenager commits a serious crime, he or she will go to a juvenile prison." "But they won't be sent there if it's just a small crime."

Mr. Taiwo Adeboyega, who works for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said that drug addicts who traffic people abuse their victims sexually.

"People are sometimes forced to do things they don't want to do by putting drugs in their drinks.

He said, "Some people hide drugs in their things and move them from one place or country to another."

The NGO Global Initiative on Substance Abuse's Dr. Isaac Olatunde said that hard drugs can affect the brain and central nervous system.

"When you take drugs, it's hard to think and decide, which makes you act badly.

He told them, "If you want a good future, be determined and don't do drugs. Tomorrow will be great."

Also, Mrs. Yewande Iwoha, who started Action Now Against Drug Abuse, said that drug use has changed so many people's lives.

"Don't be one of them. Instead, you could try sports, painting, or other ways to make money.

"Don't be tempted to try it, because if you do, you'll like it more and maybe even get hooked on it," she said.

The DAILY INDEPENDENT says that 180 students from nine secondary schools in the Ikeja, Mushin, and Oshodi Educational Districts took part in the event.

Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, who is the South-West Zonal Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, taught the students how to give first aid (NEMA).