School Pupils Abuse Drugs Most, Says NDLEA Chief
FROM ENO-ABASI SUNDAY (BENIN).
THE Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Bello Lafiagi has said that youths in secondary and post--secondary schools in the country indulge most in drug abuse.
Lafiagi made the disclosure in an address read on his behalf in Benin by the commander of the NDLEA in Edo State, Omobhude Matthew at the occasion of this year's United Nations Anti-Drug Abuse celebration.
"Available intelligence and research statistics show the unfortunate involvement of our youths in secondary and post secondary schools in the nefarious habit of drug abuse and trafficking and there are evidence of youths of school age as the highest group at risk.
"Drug abuse and trafficking amongst the youths have been so pervasive. Sophisticated and destructive, and the consequences have debased our youth, devastated esteemed institutions of society, dampened the hopes of families, destroyed young talents and frustrated careers of youths. In some unfortunate cases death occurs."
The NDLEA chief lamented that in spite of its efforts to rid the nation of drug abuse and trafficking, the illicit trade still persists.
Lafiagi said: "From the over 14 years of its counter-narcotic activities, NDLEA can now confidently say that there are drug problems in Nigeria.
"Drug abuse and trafficking has persisted over the years regardless of the vigour with which NDLEA has fought the menace."
Lafiagi called for collaborative efforts from all and sundry in order to nib the menace in the bud.
In her opening remarks, the Medical Director of Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin, Dr. Olabisi Ihemyen said the fight to rid the society of illicit drug and abuse/misuse will go nowhere without the active support of all concerned.
At the forum, which was attended by secondary schools' pupils and across section of the society, Ihemyen appealed to the youth to resist attempts to be drawn into this risky and life-threatening misadventure.
She reminded them that their parents as well as the larger society look up to them having invested so much in their up bringing and education.
The Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Omobhude Matthew, said: "The problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking has persisted over the years regardless of the vigour and the comprehensive counter narcotic efforts.
