Artisans trained in auto mechanic works no doubt dispense energy and time working on vehicles, but not many realise that due to pressure, many take to substance use which breeds abuse.
From panel beaters, mechanics, car electricians, painters, vulcanisers, and several others who earn their living working on vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, a large number engage in substance use to meet up with physical demands of strength.
Concerned about dependence on drugs, a non-governmental organisation, Achiiv Foundation in conjunction the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the popular Alaba mechanic centre along the busy Aba road last weekend.
Founder of Achiiv and foremost Journalist, Dr Ngozi Duru said the outreach was to expose the people to the dangers of drug abuse and stop use by promising young people.
According to her, several artisans buy and drink sachet spirits, herbs mixture, while many smoke substance ranging from cigarettes, shisha, and others like cannabis, methamphetamine (mpkurummiri/guzoro), cocaine, tramadol, marijuana, and alcohol especially as boost to work.
Duru appealed to them to shun substance use which always results in mental collapse, lung cancer, alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, physical, and, social problems, noting that it was a major cause of violence with others including domestic violence.
She called on parents, religious groups and the government to partner with NGOs to address illicit drugs and other dangerous substance abuse, saying together it will be brought to its barest.
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) told the traders and artisans the need to avoid drug use and for those who had not started, the importance of avoiding it.
Mr. Kevin Ohia of the NDLEA, disclosed that out of the 280 million drug users worldwide, Nigeria alone accounted for about 15million who were between the ages of 15 to 64 years.
Ohia stressed that such drugs was not good for health, as they caused damages to the body system.
Some of the impacts of drug use according to him include brain damage, embarrassment to family and friends, violence, shoplifting, burglary, loss of concentration, customers, liver collapse amongst others.
He disclosed that the NDLEA office offers rehabilitation for people desirous to beat the habit, adding that abstinence remained the best to avoid concerns.
Ohia said drugs stimulate activities of the central nervous system which makes the body enter hyper mode, saying continuous use will make users become drug addicts.
Chairman of the event, Evangelist Bethram Uzodimma, the chief executive officer of Fatelo group of companies donated about 50 Bibles to the artisans, to foster their understanding of the word of God.
Further, he announced full scholarship for two persons willing to return to the university for further studies.
He said the programme was to foster improved lives and to render assistance to the youths to make them better and useful to the society,
He appealed to them to embrace and serve God in their youthful age saying it will benefit them in life.
Some artisans who spoke at the programme, thanked the organisers for the initiative even as they said it was an eye opener.
One Emeka said he didn’t realise that his sudden lack of appetite for food was as a result of substance use to have energy to work.
He and few others promised to stop use and seek help.
The training was attended by several people drawn from the Mechanic village, Alaba.
