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By Maryam Aminu

Marking the annual celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse on recently, the Nigeria Female Youth Organization (NFYO) organized a kick off campaign that aimed to strengthen global action and cooperation in achieving a world free from illicit drugs and substance abuse.

The President Nigeria Female Youth Organization (NFYO), Princess Mimi Peter, lamented the rise in the use of illicit drugs in Nigeria by the young ones, adding that if something is not done urgently to remedy the situation, the country may not have future leaders.

Princess Peter stated that drug abuse and illicit trafficking have done more harm than good in the society.

“I must inform you today that we have lost lives and properties because of the abuse of drugs and substances taking.

“It is no longer news that that some countries have bound our citizens from entering state because of illicit trafficking among us. It has given us bad name hence the need for everyone to stand up against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking”, she said.

“It is time to stem the tides of Drug abuse. This is a call for action. We should not leave the work for the government (NDLEA) alone. All hands must be on deck considering the damages it has caused us. It must be a collective effort if we must get the desired result (i.e. a free drug society).

“Today is not a talk show, today is about action! I must say we have done the talk enough; this is time for us to walk the talk.

“It is on this note that we are calling on the government to stand up and bring policies that will ameliorate the suffering of her citizens because most people indulge in drug abuse or illicit trafficking out of frustration, they engage in all kinds of social vices like kidnapping, hostages taking, terrorism and all manner of crimes”, she noted.

Quoting the words of Fredric Harrison where he said, “The progress of a nation depends first and foremost on the progress of the people; unless it has developed their spirit and human potential, it cannot do much materially, economically and politically”, Princess Mimi Peter expressly observed that “this is exactly where the government has to come down and hear the cries of her people and take positive action without waste of time. We are all aware of the increase in fuel, increase in price of food and insecurity.

“There is also high rate of drug abuse. I must say that these are all caused by bad policies of government. If good policies are implemented,all the vices will in a shortest time be a thing of the history.

“We at the Nigerian Female Youth Organization (NFYO) believe that idleness and frustration has a lot to do with drug abuse. Sequel to this, we are asking the government of the day to engage her citizens positively by providing enabling environment i.e. empowerment, social amenities etc. if these are done, drug abuse and even insecurity will be drastically reduced.

Princess Mimi Peter commended all humanitarian and philanthropist for adding to nation building and shaping the world for a better place.

She said, “We are asking others to borrow a leaf from them, who are healing and making the world a better place.

“They are the right people to be in government, the right people to lead us, and we are asking everyone to support every humanitarian whenever they come up for any leadership position either politically or otherwise. Humanitarians make the world humane, She said.

“Some of the humanitarians awarded include Senator Osita Ngwu, Dr. Mustapha Abubakar Muhammad and Austine Akpehe.

“May I humbly use this medium to say that we are open to every partnership in killing this monster, our campaign will take us round the Federation and we are asking everyone to come on board, Nigeria must be better”, she said

Speaking on the theme of the event tagged ‘Grab your talent, drop the drug’, she said “everyone has a talent, be yourself, discover your talent,
don’t hide your talent, showcase it and get busy; do not be the devil’s workshop by being idle.

“We are out to ensure that the menace is completely eradicated and do whatever we can to save our youths from the consequences, which is seriously ravaging our society, Princess Peter said.

She explained that “that is why we are here today. We are here on a rescue mission and also to raise foot soldiers and ambassadors.”

On her choice of using a youth as one of the speakers she said: “she is a young girl, an undergraduate and entrepreneur; when she talks to the youth about the ills of drug abuse, they will easily believe and have a change of mind for those of them who are already into it,” said Princess Mimi Peter.

Speaking also, the Chairman of the occasion, Amb. Godknows Igali, described youth’s involvement in hard drugs as something detrimental to their lives, families, especially to the mothers.

“In every societal ills, women are at the receiving end. Drug abuse inflict pains on women because the pain a woman feels when her child, brother or husband is a drug addict cannot be compared”.

Continuing, Amb. Igali added, “A mother wants to see her children grow to their full potential and not to see them hook up on drugs.”

While stressing that the fight against hard drugs is the duty of all, he called on parents to monitor these youths and constantly counsel them on the grave consequences of using hard drugs.

The Chairman called for urgent intervention on the issue, so as to rescue the young ones from impending doom.

Almost 90% of all criminalities in Nigeria today ranging from banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, rape and others is linked to the use of illicit drugs. The only way to secure Nigeria from the menace of drug abuse is by working together,” he added.

“Almost 90% of all criminalities in Nigeria today ranging from banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, rape and others is linked to the use of illicit drugs. The only way to secure Nigeria from the menace of drug abuse is by working together,” he added.

Representing, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bassey Uduak, noted that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

“The aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion.

“The campaign also aims to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental.”

She said: “The wave of drug addiction that is pervading Nigeria has tipped the nation into a boiling conundrum. The reason is not far-fetched. Youths, especially students and pupils, now abuse drugs.

“Most of them imbibe substances like cough syrups, Indian hemp and off-the-counter drugs like rophynol, tramadol, diazepam and lexotan, which are controlled drugs that should only be sold after a doctor’s prescription.”

Consequently, she said, the menace is more worrisome to all and sundry because the victims and traffickers of drugs live in the society as neighbours, children, friends, students, siblings and spouses or even parents.

Uduak charged parents and other stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of ensuring that illicit substances are kept away from young Nigerians, warning that complacency is capable of compromising the bright future ahead of the youth population.

NDLEA commended the youth organization and assured that the agency is always open for partnership.

Also speaking,the Commandant General of Nigeria Peace Corps, Dr. Mustapha Abubakar Muhammad, also commended the Nigeria Female Youth Organization for organizing and sensitizing the Nigeria youth on the dangers of drug abuse.

“The global drug problem poses significant challenges to individuals, families and communities worldwide.

“However the prevailing approach to drug use characterized by stigma and discrimination has proven ineffective in addressing the root causes and consequences of drug abuse”, the Peace Corps boss said.

He urged that societies should prioritize people and adopt evidence-based strategies that emphasize prevention, harm reduction and compassion.

Mohammad advised that to effectively combat drug problem, societies must prioritize people over punitive measures, stigma and discrimination.

He noted that by implementing evidence based prevention strategies, adopting harm reduction approaches and addressing the social determinants that contribute to drug use.

Reacting to activities of drug users, he said addiction is not a choice but a disease, and the road to recovery is not easy but it is worth it.

He added that recovery won’t be easy, but assured that the situation will not be like that forever and that no matter what the situation, drug users should remind themselves that they have a choice

He assured of his readiness to always partner with the NFYO to achieve a drug free society.