Oct. 5, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari in June this year at the launch of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) painted a lucid picture of the situation we are faced with when he said, the dangers posed by drug abuse is deadlier than the insurgency and banditry currently being experienced in the country, because it is a war that is destroying three generations.

This was indeed a clarion call and an awakening in the minds of all on the dangers posed by the use of hard drugs amongst citizens; especially the youths.

The President went further to say that the WADA is not just a slogan, but a call for civil action for all Nigerians to take active part in curbing the menace.

With the call by the President, and an awakening in the minds of citizens, the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Festac, the agency of the Catholic Church, that strives for the wholesome human development has lent in its voice to the course.

Speaking at a ‘Walk Against Drug Abuse and Harmful Vices’ organised by the United Breeds Foundation in collaboration with the JDPC and other organisations in Festac, and with support from Amuwo Odofin Local Government, to create awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse the Deanery Coordinator, JDPC, Onyema Onyenakeya emphasised the need for a more concerted effort from individuals and groups, if the country must overcome the fight against drug abuse.

“It is in this regard that we agreed to partner with the organisers of this walk. We believe that the issue of drug addiction, taking of harmful substances and indulging in harmful vices can be addressed because this is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society, ” he said.

He lamented that this cuts across all strata and gender who are involved in the act and that is why “we have them in the primary, secondary, tertiary institutions to even those who are working and the highly placed in the society.”

While appealing to those taking hard drugs to come out of it for the good of the society, he said, “Taking hard drugs only gives temporary relief to the user,” he said.

Onyema added that we need to do more to spread the message, educating these people on the dangers of addiction.

“We can go to schools to spread the message, religious organizations, parents and others can also do more in lending their voice as we say no to drug addiction, no to use of hard drugs.”

“We have to let them know that when they do drugs, they’re harming themselves and when they harm themselves, they harm the society and when the society is harmed then we are in crisis”.

He noted that most of the problems we face today are rooted in drug addiction; whether it is kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution, raping or cultists because most of these people feel they need to be high to engage in such these vices.

“This is a great malady that is destroying our society and we all have to come together to do something.

“If we want to see a developed and peaceful Nigeria, then we must join hands with the government to help save our youths from the attendant effect of drug and substance abuse, and work to get them gainfully employed or  engaging the youths in positive activities because an ideal mind is the devil’s workshop”, he said.

Earlier the convener of the walk, Anthony Abakporo said as part of the Foundation’s effort, it has helped to rehabilitate a number of young people, giving them new skills and opportunities to get back on track.

“We are a harm reduction organisation. We accept everyone and we bring them in for rehabilitation. What we do actually depends on the case and we have an everyday meeting with them to make the process easier and better.

He however added that the Foundation works with partners, especially the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba.

Participants at the walk held placards with different inscriptions like: “Bring back Festac to normal, yes we can, just walk no more drugs”, “Let’s stop drug abuse in Nigeria today,”

“Drug does not add value to your life, but death”, “Substance abuse kills, stop sale of hard drugs,” “Drug abuse and excessive alcohol intake can damage your lungs, kidney, and eventually lead to death,” “Youth of these generations say no to hard drugs,” “Hard drugs and substance intake kills your mind, body and soul,” “Drug business is no business, learn a trade,” “Stop selling hard drugs and dangerous substances to our youths”, “Stop selling alcohol to underage” etc.

Report by: Theresa Igata