14. 3 million people addicted to drugs in Nigeria - NDLEA

 14. 3 million people addicted to drugs in Nigeria -  NDLEA 

The rate at which people are engaging in illicit drugs is alarming, especially among the youths, and no fewer than 14 million people are addicted to the harmful practices across Nigeria and all hands must be on deck to fight the manice ravaging the social and economic growth of individuals indulging in the illicit act.

Speaking at an awareness campaign against drug abuse organised by Ile Oluji youth in  collaboration with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA), for secondary school students in Ile Oluji, the headquarters of Ile Oluji Okeigbo local government areas of Ondo State, the State Deputy Commander isn't NDLEA, Yetunde Jeyifus said drug abuse is rampant in the society, especially among the youths and called on all stakeholders in every community to join hands with authorities to curb the act of dealing in drug, which she described as dangerous and cutting short ones career. 

The NDLEA boss added that many young people are currently in their rehabilitation facilities across the country due to drug abuse, stressing that drugs are not food but chemical substances  that have the ability to change the mind of user negatively.

She therefore appreciated the Oijefon Youth Council for partnering NDLEA to fight the manice called drug abuse in society, adding that it is important to speak to the younger people at the secondary school levels to tell them dangers involved in drug abuse so that they will not engage in it.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of Oijefon Youth Council,  Engr. Adedokun Adeyonu said the council organised the sensitization to promote sanity in the town and discourage drug abuse among the youth. He has observed that many people, especially the young, are involved in it. 

He said the dangers of drug abuse are serious problems that hurt individuals, families, and entire society.

According to him, drug abuse means using harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in a way that harms your body and mind. Many people start using drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or to escape problems in their lives. 

They may think it’s fun or a quick way to feel better, but in reality, drugs ruin lives, " he said. 

The youth leader noted that the effects of drug abuse are very dangerous. For a person, it damages health, causing problems like heart disease, liver failure, and even brain damage, which could lead to mental problems, depression and anxiety.

He said families suffer as well because addiction causes fights, mistrust, and even financial problems. For society, the costs are huge. Money spent on healthcare, law enforcement, and lost jobs could have been used to build a better future.

Engr. Adeyonu, worried that many young people are falling into the act, due to peer pressure and movies or songs that glamorize drug use often push them. 

He, therefore urged members of the society, the youth in particular to campion their energy in creativity and take time to build their lives for a glorious future. 

He added that the Ile Oluji youth will continue to create awareness to combat drug abuse and continue to educate people, especially young students, about the dangers of drugs, called on schools, parents to  teach children about healthy ways to handle stress and challenges, urging parents to listen to their children and create a safe space for them to share their feelings.

The event attracted students from various secondary school in Ile Oluji and official of NDLEA and National Orientation Agency (NOA)