The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to the youths against getting involved in illicit drugs, saying it is dangerous and inimical to human survival.
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday at the end of a two-day sensitisation on the elimination of drug and substance abuse for young boys and girls in the southern zone of the country.
Ibrahim, represented by a Director in the ministry, Alhaji Alu Mohammed, said that the government would leave no stone unturned in eradicating the menace of hard drugs in the country.
“This event is apt, coming at a time the Federal Government has renewed commitment towards developing a drugs society, in line with the United Nations’ pronouncement on drugs and crimes.
“This is necessary, thereby, sharing the real facts on drugs, from health risks and solutions to tackle world drug problems to evidence-based prevention, treatment and care among young people.
“As we all know, drug and substance abuse remains one of the critical challenges facing young boys and girls in our society, and many research studies conducted locally and internationally affirmed the diverse causes of substance abuse,” he said.
The minister said that studies also showed a sharp increase in the number of young boys and girls that were falling prey to substance abuse, as well as an increase in the demand, and supply of such drugs in the society.
According to him, drug use and abuse have been identified by the government to be influenced by a variety of social factors
Some factors include peer grouping, keeping bad company, and lack of genuine and sincere warning signals, among others.
Ibrahim said that such social factors would now be tackled.
“To this end, we must join hands to formulate appropriate measures that will lead to drug/substance abuse free society,” he said.
The minister called on the state governments and other relevant stakeholders to join hands with the Federal Government in putting an end to the menace.
Also, the Ekiti state Commissioner for Youth Development, Adeola Adebayo, thanked the Federal Government for choosing the state as the host of the southern exercise.
Adebayo, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mr Adesoye Odunayo, promised that the current administration, under Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, would do everything to collaborate with FG, to ensure success at eradicating drug abuse.