BY RICHARD ABU, Nasarawa-
The Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Yamusa (Ill), has described the increase in the use of drugs and psychoactive substances among secondary and tertiary schools in Nigeria has worrisome.
He stated this at the one day drug abuse prevention and sensitization workshop for secondary schools students in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone, held at Government College, keffi.
Our Correspondent report that the workshop which was organized by the Office of the Coordinator, National Drugs Abuse Reduction Intervention Project, drew participants from the six LGAs that constitute Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Yamusa (III), who observed that drug abuse persists in Nigeria due to the weakness of drug control policies by the authority concerned, called on the NDLEA to be proactive with the current methods in tackling drug abuse.
Represented by the Wambai Keffi, Ibrahim Audu, the traditional ruler, expressed concern that offenders of drugs abuse are being released without prosecution as well as some officials of NDLEA are involved in drugs consumption and pedaling.
He, however, called on the government and relevant stakeholders to be proactive in protecting and sensitizing schools’ children from the dangers of drugs abuse.
Dr. Shehu, also suggested that another stakeholders’ summit should be organized for traditional rulers in the state so as to give them a chance to brainstorm on possible ways of reducing the menace of drug abuse in the communities.
On his part, The Commissioners for Youths and Sports Development, Uthman Bala Adam, represented by the Director of Youth Development, Umar Abubakar, said there is the need for leaders to guide the young children to enable them abstain from the act of drug abuse.
Mr. Bala, noted that the Ministry would not fold its arms to see youth perished because of drug addiction but rather sensitize and advise them on the right path to life.
Contributing, the Director General of NAPTIP, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, represented by a staff of the commission, Mr. Desmond Garba, admonished the students to avoid taking illicit drugs and to only accept drugs that are prescribed by qualified doctors.
The convener of the programme, who is The Nasarawa State Coordinator of The National Drug Abuse Reduction Intervention Project, Muhammad Abubakar, said the programme was a fallout of the national workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, which he deemed necessary to introduce to students in Nasarawa State.
Mr. Abubakar appreciated the support given to them by the Nasarawa State Government towards ensuring the success of the event.
Some students expressed commitment to utilize the knowledge gained during the workshop and equally inform others on the danger of drug abuse.