By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
The National Assembly has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM) and Ambassador, Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics of the National Assembly, Dr. Christabel Okoye, has commended the Assembly’s efforts in curbing the menace.
Addressing journalists in N/Ass on Wednesday, Dr. Okoye revealed that the Assembly is currently working on positive legislation against the importation of deadly substances, with capital punishment proposed as a deterrent. She emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue, citing the alarming rate of addiction among youths, including those in primary school.
The NANDRUM Executive Secretary urged parents to remain firm in taking good care of their children from a tender age, warning that sending young children to study abroad can expose them to bad behavior. She also cautioned teachers to exhibit good behavior, stressing that they are not only expected to teach but also to serve as role models.
Dr. Okoye announced plans to establish a rehabilitation and detoxification center for youths struggling with addiction, aiming to help them become useful members of society. She appealed to Nigerian youths to avoid being influenced by peers who have already succumbed to the menace, emphasizing the importance of becoming productive citizens.
The National Assembly’s efforts to address drug abuse in Nigeria are a welcome development. With the right support and resources, it is hoped that the country can stem the tide of this menace and protect its young people from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
