APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Gen. Buba Marwa, rtd, has advised Nigerian youths to desist from taking illicit drugs.
Delivering the 2023 Lecture, organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday in Lagos, Marwa. who was the guest of honour, said that drug abuse had become rampant among the youths and that it was now a big problem in the society.
“Substance abuse is common among youths between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and cuts across those who dwell in both the urban and rural areas,” he said.
He explained that drug is a substance taken other than food and water and whenever it is taken, it changes the functions of the body.
According to him, drugs can be licit or illicit. Licit drugs are not prohibited by law, they are drugs taken to cure any form of ill health, while illicit drugs are the ones that are unlawful and prohibited by law which everyone must abstain from.
Marwa , who was represented by the NDLEA Deputy Director, Mrs Rita Okpere, stated that some youths engage in drug abuse as a result of curiosity, low self-esteem, ignorance, imaginary pressure, relieve of anxiety and that drug abuse also caused damage to organs of the body.
“Drug abuse is not beneficial in any way, but rather causes severe damage to the body system,” he stressed.
The NDLEA boss stated that substance abuse has physical, psychological and social consequences not only on the user, but also on the family and society and called for all hands to be on deck to rid the society of the menace of drugs and its consequences.
“This is the time for all to rise up and join the crusade the NDLEA is leading to make our country a better and safer nation, the NDLEA cannot solve the problem alone.
“Community leaders, religious bodies, royal fathers, NGOs and every member of the society must all collaborate and show concern for the welfare of our youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.
“The Federal Government has done a lot on this issue of drug abuse, they should do more,” he added.
GIK/APA
NDLEA boss urges Nigerian youths to stop taking illicit drugs
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