By Muhammad Amaan
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerian youths to stay away from illicit drugs.
The Director-General of the agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, issued the warning at the inauguration of the NAFDAC Catch-Them-Young Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) at Government College, Bida, Niger State on Thursday.
Prof. Adeyeye stressed that drug abuse posed significant risks to the health and future of the youth.
The event had the theme, “Your Future Counts: Say No to Illicit Drugs and Yes to Life.”
The NAFDAC Catch-Them-Young Programme is aimed at reducing drug abuse among secondary school students through education and awareness campaigns.
Prof. Adeyeye, who was represented by Mrs Harirah Abdullahi, highlighted that illicit drugs were a major public health concern, leading to addiction, mental health issues, and even death.
She explained that both legal and illicit drugs could lead to addiction and emphasised the importance of honest conversations with students to help them make informed decisions.
Mrs Abdullahi added the programme also focused on the consequences of drug abuse, such as drug dependence, poor judgment, and impaired driving.
Prof. Adeyeye encouraged students to resist peer pressure, avoid drug abuse, and seek professional help if necessary.
She also emphasised the role of teachers in identifying behavioural problems and collaborating with parents and guardians in the fight against drug abuse.
In his remarks, Malam Mohammed Danjuma, Principal of Government College, Bida, urged the students to take the information on drug abuse seriously, noting that drug abuse was a global problem.
At the event, a NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) was re-established at the school, with 198 students inaugurated as members.
