Substance Abuse: NDDC engages students in Cross River

 

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a statewide campaign against substance abuse in selected secondary schools across Calabar, Cross River State.

This initiative carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including government agencies, security bodies, and educational institutions, aims to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse, empower them to make informed decisions, and establish student ambassadors to promote awareness.

Declaring the event open, Dr. Eme Inyangabia, Assistant Director at NDDC, expressed deep concern over the rising prevalence of drug and substance abuse among youths, particularly secondary school students.

She reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to addressing this growing challenge with renewed vigor.

Similarly, Nnadi Roseline Ada, Deputy Commander of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Cross River State Command, highlighted the direct link between substance abuse and the increasing cases of mental health issues and academic decline.

She warned that the future of young people was at significant risk if urgent measures were not taken to curb the menace.

A compelling moment of the event was the testimony of a former drug addict, who shared his nine-year battle with substance abuse and his journey to recovery.

Speaking anonymously, he urged students to avoid drugs, emphasizing that not everyone may be as fortunate as he was in overcoming addiction.

Stakeholders at the event called for an expansion of the campaign to more schools within and beyond Calabar, advocating for continuous engagement through follow-up programs, mentorship initiatives, and peer education.

They also stressed the importance of increased parental involvement and the need to strengthen rehabilitation and counseling services to provide adequate support for affected students.

Substance abuse among youths in Nigeria is a growing and alarming issue that poses significant threats to the country’s future. Young people in Nigeria are increasingly engaging in the misuse of both legal and illegal substances, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, and illicit substances like cocaine and heroin.

The reasons behind substance abuse among Nigerian youths are multifaceted. Poverty and unemployment play a significant role, as many young people turn to drugs as an escape from economic hardship or as a means of making money through drug trafficking.

Peer pressure is another major factor, with young people often experimenting with substances to fit in or gain social acceptance. Additionally, the lack of adequate education and awareness about the dangers of substance abuse leaves many youths uninformed about the risks they are taking.

To effectively tackle this issue, a comprehensive approach is required. Strengthening law enforcement to curb the availability of illicit drugs, increasing public awareness through targeted educational campaigns, and improving access to mental health and rehabilitation services are critical steps.

Additionally, addressing the root causes of substance abuse, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, is essential to reducing the demand for drugs among young people. Community involvement and the support of families, schools, and religious organizations can also play a vital role in prevention and recovery efforts.

Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade — RadioNigeria