Stakeholders in the health sector have urged parents and care givers to help their children and youths to grow to be healthy and safe from illicit drug abuse.
They made the call on Wednesday in Lagos State at an event commemorating the 2018 United Nation’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDDAIT) marked annually on every June 26.
The programme was organised by the Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee (LSIDACC), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the 2018 IDDAIT is: “Listen First“.
The Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Primary Healthcare, Dr Olufemi Onanuga, said drug abuse among youths remained a major threat to national growth and development.
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Onanuga said that the problem would require everyone working toward proffering a lasting solution for the eradication of the menace.
“It is worrisome that lots of lives, especially that of our youths, who constitute the productive age of the population, are being destroyed as a result of indulgence in illicit drugs.
“Most of the violent crimes involving teenagers and youths are being carried out under the influence of drugs.
“According to a 2011 World Drug report, over 210 million people or 4. 8 per cent of the world population use illicit substances yearly.
“In Nigeria, it is youths that seem to be more involved in these harmful vices.
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“It is, therefore, very important that parents must spend time to inculcate moral values in their children”, he said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, the state Ministry of Health, Dr Titilayo Goncalves, said that the ministry was committed to working with other stakeholders to advancing balanced, people-centred and holistic approaches to drug challenges.
According to Goncalves, this will be fully in line with the universal drug control convention.
“The recent opioid crisis involving Tramadol and codeine, and other urgent drug use problems, compounded by gaps in health and social services, leave far too many people without the help they need.
“Thus, leading to illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, related crime and violence.
“But, as daunting as these challenges are, all of us can play our part and take action-policy makers first and foremost.
“Also, concerned citizens, parents, caregivers and engaged young people should play their parts.
“We can all work together to prevent substance abuse and contribute to the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, she said.
In her remarks, the Chairman, LSIDACC, Mrs Moyosore Adejumo, said that the state government had put in place strategies to curb the menace of drug abuse.
Adejumo said that the first strategy began at home.
“We need to ensure as parents and caregivers, we listen first; listen to our children, pay attention to what they are saying and what they are not saying.
“`The government has adopted the activities of the committee; we go on advocacy visits to schools and motor parks.
“There are publications, policies on drug abuse and control medicines”, Adejumo said. (NAN)
