NDLEA chairman retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, on Wednesday in Abuja cautioned youths about the dangers inherent in the use of illicit drugs.

Marwa gave the advice in a lecture delivered on his behalf at the National Institute for Cultural Orientation’s (NICO) 2023 Annual Public Lecture.

The lecture had: “Culture, drug abuse and the future of Nigerian youths’’ as its theme.

Mrs Anthonia Madubuike of NDLEA’s Drug Demand Reduction Department who represented Marwa commended NICO for its thoughtfulness and initiative in organizing the annual lecture series.

Marwa stated that the event demonstrated NICO’s deep commitment and passion for ridding society of the menace of drug abuse and its consequences.

“This event is apt and timely because it creates awareness of the dangers inherent in drug abuse. It also sensitizes members of society on their roles in drug abuse prevention, treatment, and care.

“Substance abuse has medical, social, economic, and psychological consequences on user, family, and on society at large.

“Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system,’’ he stated.

He listed the consequences of drug abuse to include violence, rape, suicide, paranoia, poor academic performance and dropping out of school, poor health conditions, indebtedness, and waste of resources.

He stressed that drug abusers were prone to engaging in cultism, thuggery, kidnapping, terrorism, racketeering, and armed robbery.

He stated that it was essential to empower young people by providing them with quality education, skills acquisition, employment, access to healthcare, as well as a social support system.

“Addressing drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services that should be accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive.

“Drug abuse prevention efforts should focus on education and awareness about attendant risks and enhancement of protective factors such as family and community support,’’ he stated.

Schools curricula should cover drug abuse to give information on dangers inherent in drug abuse and illicit drugs trafficking and should target youths in schools, principals, teachers, counselors, and school administrators, he added.

He appealed to governments, civil society organizations, communities, religious leaders, professional bodies, and NGOs to collaborate and create an enabling environment to support the positive development of Nigerian youths.

He called on parents to get involved in the educational progress of their children and pay attention to their activities, the kind of friends they keep, and their use of the internet.

“Schools should also establish a tripartite communication between parents, schools, and students.

“Leveraging technology and media to disseminate information, focusing on positive role models and inspiring narratives can help to shape cultural norms and attitudes towards drug abuse.

“Culture, drug abuse, and the future of the Nigerian youth are interconnected.

“Recognizing and respecting cultural values while addressing the challenges of drug abuse can provide Nigerian youths with opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to national development,’’ he stressed.