Some of the drugs intercepted by the operatives. Photo/NAN
Worried by reported 14.4per cent drug use prevalence in Nigeria, which is higher than 5.5 per cent global average, 40 per cent of consumers said to be between 16 and 65 years, Afestac media in conjunction with Advocates for Global Peace Forum International, a leading United Nations civil society organisation and Afrorevo has launched a Campaign Against Drugs and Substance Abuse (CADSA) in Lagos.
The campaign supported by the United Nations Information Centre, targets school pupils in primary and secondary schools, who have suffered drug-related disorders occasioned by drugs and substance abuse.
Speaking at the launch, held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, which has as its theme: “Drug: Addiction and its challenges’’, Executive Director CADSA, Valentine Ugochukwu Ani aka Zhyon, said the campaign raises awareness about the major challenges that illicit drugs represent to society as a whole, especially to the young people.
He said the goal of the campaign is to mobilise support and inspire youths to act against drug use and also create a safety-net for young people consuming addictive and mood shifting substances.
CADSA, he said, is applying a very unique approach as it does not only engage in just seminars, but uses the power of entertainment to dissuade younger generations from getting entangled with drugs and addictive substances.
According to him, the campaign is designed to drive a new wave of awareness among students of secondary and tertiary institutions about drug use and abuse through one on one sensitisation and launch of a Television drama series dedicated to this cause.
He stressed that the challenge with drug use and abuse is that the addict is not the only one impacted by the disease as friends and family can have difficulty coping with the addict’s behaviour.
According to him, financial and legal problems that may accrue and the daily struggle of supporting a loved one is also enormous.
Anti drug and substance abuse advocate, Uche Ojukwu, expressed worry over the high prevalence of substance use among in-school and out-of-school adolescents.
He stressed the need for collective efforts to dismantle drug abuse, especially with its effect on poverty .On his part, another crusader, Ambassador Chris Ibe, said nobody is exempted from drug abuse and addiction, considering its social implications on criminality.
Another advocate for end to drug abuse, Afam Anawela, pledged to support the campaign against the malaise .
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