The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a ‘catch-them-young’ initiative aimed at sensitising secondary school students on the dangers of illicit drugs in Niger state.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, stated this in a keynote address at the inauguration of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) at Maryam Babangida Girls Science College in Minna on Wednesday.
Adeyeye, who was represented by Pharmacist James Kigbu, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Niger state, said 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse, a statistic she described as “alarming”.
Adeyeye emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue, stating that the epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse is destroying families, and the workforce, and destabilizing the economy.
The initiative, launched at Maryam Babangida Girls Science College in Minna, aims to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.
The programme will focus on educating students about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making informed decisions.
Adeyeye also emphasised the role of teachers in the fight against drug abuse, urging them to work with parents and guardians to identify and address behavioural problems in students.
She encouraged students to resist peer pressure, abstain from drug abuse, and seek professional help when needed.
The Director-General further noted that NAFDAC’s mission is to mould a future generation that is empowered to be upright and demand uprightness from others.
She urged students to use their membership of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) to assist in information flow on NAFDAC regulatory activities and promote the fight against drug abuse.
Principal of the college, Hajiya Amina Attahiru commended NAFDAC for its initiative, while Maryam Masaga, Coordinator of the NAFDAC NCSC in Niger, thanked the school management for their support.
The launch is part of NAFDAC’s efforts to combat the rising menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, particularly among young people.
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