Drug Abuse: Institute Holds Awareness Workshop
By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna
Following the increasing rate of drug abuse by Nigerian youths, the Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Mohammad Sanusi II and the Ministry of Interior to collaborate in education and enlightenment on fight against drug abuse.
Addressing journalists at the NUJ Kaduna Secretariat ahead of a one day training workshop with a theme: “Challenges for Drug Abuse and National Security”, first Vice President, Dr. Femi Oyediran, Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria said the main aim of the workshop is to adequately educate the public on the dangers in drug abuse.
The workshop was also an avenue for organizers to create awareness on the impact of drugs consumption on the public.
According to him the exercise is also meant train the participant on how to analyse drug, effect of drug consumption and the basic truth about what it could cause the consumers.
He said as a nation, for us to be able to stay together we need to work together, this he added was the reason for choosing the theme because there are so many youths in Nigeria that needs help to get out of drugs.
“We need to discuss about drug abuse, the challenges and how we can solve the problem. We have found out over the time that most of the drugs imported into this country are below the standard quality required. So our major concern is about health of the people. He said.
He described as unfortunate a situation where youth abuse good drugs which they use for enhancer.
“It is unfortunate that people, especially the youth today resort to abuse drugs in the name of being high. This attitude is what has given birth to the high societal vices like, crime, high rate of accident, violence and the current insurgency ravaging the North East.
“The government is trying to unite the country but the youth allow drug to alter the way they act and this calls for concern. When people are under influence of drugs they do anything.
“This among many reasons that the institute is embarking on training workshop in Kaduna to create awareness on illicit drug consumption and abuse,” he said
He said what they are trying to do is to compliment the effort of the government to eradicate drug abuse and tendencies that can breach national security.
“We are currently collaborating with NAFDAC, United Nation’s office on drugs and other stakeholders in the administration and control of drugs to rob minds
“We are currently collaborating with NAFDAC, United Nation’s office on drugs and other stakeholders in the administration and control of drugs to rob minds and proffer solution.”
