By Fatima Muraina

The increasing prevalence of illicit drug use, particularly among youths, has become a major public health and social concern in Nigeria.

With over 14 million people battling addiction, urgent collective action is needed to curb this menace, which continues to undermine both individual well-being and the nation’s social and economic growth.

The Ondo State Deputy Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs Yetunde Jeyifous, disclosed this during an awareness campaign organised in collaboration with Ile Oluji Youth Against Drug Abuse.

The awareness programme was organised for secondary school students in Ile Oluji, the headquarters of the Ile Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Jeyifous stated that drug abuse is rampant in society, particularly among youths, and called on all stakeholders in every community to join forces with the authorities to curb drug-related activities, which she described as dangerous and detrimental to one’s career.

The NDLEA official added that many young people are currently in rehabilitation facilities across the country due to drug abuse, stressing that drugs are not food but chemical substances capable of negatively altering the mind of the user.

She therefore appreciated the Oijefon Youth Council for partnering with the NDLEA to combat the menace of drug abuse in society. She emphasised the importance of educating young people at the secondary school level about the dangers of drug abuse to deter them from engaging in it.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the President of the Oijefon Youth Council, Engr. Adedokun Adeyonu, said the council organised the sensitisation campaign to promote sanity in the town and discourage drug abuse among youths, having observed that many young people were involved in it.

He noted that drug abuse poses serious dangers to individuals, families, and society at large.

According to him, drug abuse refers to the misuse of harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in a way that damages the body and mind. Many people start using drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or as a means of escaping problems in their lives.

“They may think it’s fun or a quick way to feel better, but in reality, drugs ruin lives,” he said.

The youth leader stressed that the effects of drug abuse are devastating. On a personal level, it damages health, leading to conditions such as heart disease, liver failure, and brain damage, which can result in mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

He added that families also suffer, as addiction causes conflicts, mistrust, and financial difficulties. For society, the cost is enormous—funds that could have been used for development are instead spent on healthcare, law enforcement, and rehabilitating affected individuals.

Engr. Adeyonu expressed concern that many young people fall into drug abuse due to peer pressure and the influence of movies or songs that glamorise drug use.

He therefore urged members of society, particularly youths, to channel their energy into creativity and focus on building their lives for a promising future.

He assured that the Ile Oluji youth would continue to create awareness and educate people, especially young students, about the dangers of drug abuse.

He called on schools and parents to teach children healthy ways to handle stress and challenges, urging parents to listen to their children and create a safe space for them to express their feelings.

The event attracted students from various secondary schools in Ile Oluji, as well as officials from the NDLEA and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).