By Abuja Reporter
An NGO, 2FAITH Inter-Religious Youth Organization, has sought for collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a campaign against drug abuse in schools across the country.
Mr Henry Hillary made the call during a visit to the NDLEA, FCT Command Headquarters in Abuja.
Hillary said that the 2FAITH campaign project tagged “Catch them young” was targeted at secondary school students in the six geopolitical zones.
According to him, the campaign is set to kick off from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to other parts of the country.
“It is very important to raise awareness and educate our youths on the dangers of drug abuse because it poses as a threat to the livelihood of the people.
He also noted that drug abuse contributes to security insurgencies in the country.
“We have a key role to play as religious leaders and citizens in curbing insecurities in Nigeria by sensitizing the young people on the danger of Drug abuse,
“It is one of the major factors that contribute in high crime rates like rape, kidnappings amongst others.
“And the business of fighting drug abuse requires collaboration with the Agency in terms of publicity and security” he said.
Mr Mohammed Ajiya, the Commandant of the NDLEA FCT command said that there was direct linkage between drug abuse and criminality especially with the youth.
According to him, most criminals and bandits causing mishaps are usually under the influence of drug.
“This drugs abuse starts from a causal intake, then gradually moves to regular intake till the abuser becomes drug dependent.
“Also drug abuse has physical, psychological and sociological consequences on individuals because it is addictive and unfortunately it drives its victims to the point of insanity” he said.
Ajiya pledged that the collaboration with the organizations would be looked into in order to enhance the fight against drug abuse in the country.
He also noted that excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks and uncontrolled intake of snuff were also drug abuse.
“Whenever individuals consume these substances excessively and without control, they are no longer themselves and it has led to many accidents on the highway.
“We advise parents to be responsible in educating their children on the dangers of drug abuse while monitoring their activities and who they mingle with.
“We also urge the government to create employment opportunities for youth in order to avoid idleness which leads to selling drugs to make ends meet,” he said.
The 2Faith campaign against drug abuse is targeted at twenty government schools in the FCT.
