Nigerian youths cautioned against illicit drug use
Nigerian youths have been cautioned on the dangers of involving in illicit use of drugs.
The advice was given by Nigeria’s gold medalist in long jump event at Atlanta’96 Olympic Games, DCP (Dr) Mrs Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah. She charged the youth to stay away from illicit drugs because of the dangers associated with it.
Speaking in a well-attended conference organized by her foundation, Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, in commemoration of the 2023 edition of the United Nations Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking held at the Police College Ikeja, Lagos, she cautioned the youths (sportsmen and women inclusive) to avoid illicit drug use because of its inherent negative effects on their health.
Ajunwa-Oparah stated that the conference became necessary in order to create awareness, enlighten and sensitize the youths against the use of illicit drugs and cultism especially among students, athletes, security agencies and general citizenry.
“This fight which my foundation started six years ago was borne out of the desire to make our youths realize that there is no gain in using illicit drugs as it can only ruin their careers and destroy lives. Therefore, the conference today is a patriotic effort and also a timely measure taken by Chioma Ajunwa Foundation to help our youths escape from the claws of the temptation posed by illicit drug use.
“I’m glad that a representative from the NDLEA is here to open our eyes on the dangers associated with illicit drug use and its effects. And for our youths to have a breakthrough in every facet of their endeavours, they must shun illicit drug use,” she noted.
Ajunwa-Oparah further revealed that the issue of illicit drug use among our youths is becoming alarming, worrisome and very complex because of its adverse effects on the generality of our society. She affirmed that people in Nigeria who use drugs face stigma and discrimination which harm their physical and mental health, thus inhibiting them from accessing the help they need to overcome the effect of illicit drug use.
In her opening lecture to commemorate the event, Deputy Director, Directorate of General Investigation, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) Mrs Archie-Abia Ibinabo took time to lecture the audience made up of secondary school students and football academies that they should always shun the temptation of doing drugs or allowing their friends to deceive them into joining cultism as there is no gain in it, but could rather lead to their untimely death, permanent disability, suicide, psychiatric problem or long jail term.
“Today, we are reinvigorating our efforts at curbing drug menace and that is why the theme of this year’s event is ‘People first! Stop stigma, discrimination, and strengthen prevention.
Do you have a compelling story to tell? Contact us via our email: espinewsng@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp on 08032519246.
