The Federal Capital Territory Health Services and Environment Secretariat has urged all stakeholders to join forces in combating drug abuse.
According to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, this is a shared responsibility that requires the collective effort of government, communities, families, schools, civil societies, and religious organizations.
She made this call during a campaign against drug abuse in private schools in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
The event, themed “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” aimed to educate youngsters about the dangers of substance abuse and secure a better future for them.
Fasawe emphasized that drug abuse control is a responsibility that falls on both the government and other stakeholders.
In her statement, “Drug abuse control is the responsibility of government as well as communities, families, schools, civil societies, and religious organizations and through sharing of information by parents, guardians, teachers, policymakers and youths. Drug abuse and risky behaviours could be controlled and prevented and I advise students to pay attention to their studies.”
The Chairman of the FCT-Drug Abuse Control Committee, Boniface Ikwu, explained that the campaign seeks to educate young people about the facts surrounding drug abuse, including its causes and consequences, in order to inform and protect future generations.
Salamatu Orakwelu, Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, urged the students to take the campaign seriously, as it will empower them to reject drug abuse and instead choose a healthy and fulfilling life.
Uche Eze, Head of Pharmaceutical Services at Maitama District Hospital, emphasized the importance of targeting young people with this message, as scientific research shows that the brain continues to develop until age 25 and early exposure to drugs can increase the risk of addiction to harder substances later in life.
He pointed out, “Drug Abuse is overindulgence in a drug leading to effects that are detrimental to a person’s physical and mental or welfare of others, with consequences ranging from organ damage, mental imbalance, cancer, crimes, family dysfunction, and premature death and appealed to the students not to indulge in the act no matter what.”
