Youth Council, NDLEA Seek To Collaborate On Drug Abuse

As a result of the abysmal proliferation of drugs and addiction among Nigerian youths, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) are seeking to collaborate with communities and organizations in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria.

Around 275 million people use drugs worldwide, while over 36 million are affected by drug use disorders, according to the 2021 World Drug Report, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The National Drug Use Survey of 2018 has found that Nigeria had approximately 14.3 million drug users, of which about 3 million suffered from a drug use disorder. In addition, the risks of drug consumption are higher and the damage to users is more evident. In order to protect public health, all stakeholders should explore all avenues for educating young people on the adverse effects of drug abuse.

As a part of the initiative performed to educate youths, the Lagos chapter of the youth council partnered itself with the Imeyreach foundation and held a youth sensitization programme which was tagged, “My Mental Health, My Sustainability,” in the Agege area of Lagos.

Oluwanifesimi Opawale, a mental health Psychologist from Imeyreach foundation, and Mr. Isaac Unene, the NDLEA Area Commander, addressed the youths at a panel session during the event.

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Mr. Unuene pointed out that a community collaboration with NGOs, government agencies, groups and individuals in reorienting Nigerian youths against drugs is absolutely necessary in order to finally win the fight against drugs. He stated that the collaboration is critical as the NDLEA alone cannot handle the amount of work required to cut off the source of drug supply by arresting the distributors.

Comrade Jamiu Ademosu, the Vice-Chairman of the NYCN Lagos West Senatorial district, has stated that the Council would continue to strive towards safeguarding the sanity of young people by bringing them together for education on mental health and sustainability.

The programme was attended by youths from across 28 local government areas of Lagos, and some selected youths were endorsed as ambassadors to champion the cause of youth mental health in their various communities.

According to Comrade Ademosu, over 170 youths have applied for the ambassadorial role, but with a thorough selection process, only 25 youths were successfully shortlisted and trained on mental health and drug abuse to work in society. He advised that Nigerian youths shun and avoid any form of drug that can affect their mental health toward building a better Nigerian society.