Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: Drug Abuse

  • Oyo Govt. Pledges to Curb Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking

    Oyo Govt. Pledges to Curb Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking

    …Establishes Drug Abuse C’ttee

    The Oyo State government on Monday expressed commitment to combat the rising rate of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking among youth and students in the State

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju spoke in Ibadan during an occasion organized in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    Dr. Adeyanju while emphasizing on the theme for the year, “People first: stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention” in a press briefing held at the conference room of the Ministry, revealed that majority of drug cases were reported to be among students and youths respectively.

    Hence, the need to intensify awareness on the consequences of drug abuse among the youth, became necessary.

    He said the Oyo State Government has commenced intervention programmes, to tackle the menace, towards improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

    “According to reports by the UNODC, in the year 2021, around 275 million people used drugs worldwide, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorder, consequently, the number of people using drugs increased by 22%, owing in part to global population growth”, he said.

    “As a responsive government, the Oyo State government has put in place a Drug Abuse Control committee. The committee is inter-ministerial and domiciled at the state ministry of Health, saddled with the responsibilities of waging war against drug abuse and misuse in the State”

    “Consequences of drug abuse and misuse are serious and dangerous. Drug abuse could lead to social, legal, financial/economic, physical and mental health consequences which may differ depending on how far the addiction has progressed and the type of drug being used”, he added.

    Similarly, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that as part of the Intervention programmes, the committee would intensify the constituted drug free clubs in schools across the state, markets, motor parks, tertiary institutions among others.

    He added that the intervention program will focus on providing educational and awareness campaigns by informing the general public about the dangers of drug abuse.

    He also reiterated the importance of its prevention, stressing that the program will assist in developing policies that will strengthen the regulation and control of the sales and distribution of drugs.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria has also reacted to curb the excesses of drug productions, circulation, distribution and consumption by creating agencies such as NAFDAC and NDLEA with various mandates,” he added.

    Also in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mufutao Ayoola disclosed the importance of creating a healthier community through collective efforts in addressing drug abuse.

    He urged all citizens to support the intervention programme and stay away from drug abuse.

    “It is gratifying to note that the issue of drug abuse has generated some interest both within and outside the country considering the consequences of the menace of Drug abuse and misuse in our society especially among the youths.”

    “I want to sincerely throw my weight behind this call because all hands must be on deck to fight this menace to a standstill. It is also of great concern that the elderly ones are not left out of drug abuse and misuse, reiterating that it was reported that a 71 years old man passed on in Ibadan after taking Colorado.”

    In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Gbenga Oguntoye and the Director Pharmacist, Ministry of Health, Pharm. Lukeman Akinwande, stated that stigma discrimination surrounding drug abuse can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

    To this end, he said, Pharmacists are essential resources for those struggling with drug abuse by providing non-judgmental support and connecting them with proper treatment options.

    The duo further revealed that the theme for the year is an excellent reminder for pharmacists to look beyond just dispensing medications.

  • Humanitarian ministry Collaborates NDLEA to combat drug abuse

    Humanitarian ministry Collaborates NDLEA to combat drug abuse

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is collaborating with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA to combat substance and drug abuse in the country.

    The Minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq disclosed this at a Psychosocial Support and Integration of Victims of Drug and Substance Abuse held at NDLEA Rehabilitation Facility in Gudu, Abuja on Tuesday.

    Farouq said that the objective of the collaboration is to free the society from the scourge of drugs and substance abuse which has caused untold misery to individuals and families.

    The Minister who was represented by the Director Humanitarian Affairs Department, Alhaji Ali Grema stated that the Federal Government is determined to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of a free drug society.

    “This meeting is part of our commitment to deal with the menace and issues surrounding drug abuse and provide an avenue for the expression of collaborative commitment of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to combat the problem in all its forms.

    “As a Ministry charged with the responsibility of Social Development, we want to begin a process of focusing on the socio- economic challenges faced by the clients of illicit drugs and substance abuse, not only in Abuja but throughout the federation.”

    Farouq used the occasion to call on youths to refrain from abusing drugs and other harmful substances adding that they are injurious to health and their future.
    She noted that the most effective tool to combat drug use is to strengthen prevention programmes and treatment for victims.

    The minister further promised that the ministry will provide National Social Investment Programme opportunities for victims under rehabilitation by the NDLEA.

    “Clients will undergo training in their various choice skills and will be equipped with starter packs for easy integration into the society.”
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brig. Gen. Mohaammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) OFR represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Barrister Shedrack Haruna laudable the programme as first of its kind.

    “The use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine as well as prescription medications exert tremendous toll on the individual, families and the society. Substance abuse affects the physical, social and psychological levels of the user and family members.”

    “Findings from the National Drug Use Survey (2018) conducted by UNODC reviewed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years had used psychoactive substances in the past year for non- medical purposes. More worrisome is that out of this figure, about 370,000 Nigerians have drug use disorder and in every 4 drug users in Nigeria, 1 is a woman.”

    “Globally, there is a shift in drug policy which sees drug as a public health issue. Therefore, reducing the demand for drugs depends to a large extent on the successful treatment and reintegration of people who use drugs.”

    Haruna congratulated the clients for being the first beneficiaries of the Social Investment Programmes and charged them to be good ambassadors and commended
    the ministry for providing starter packs to equip the clients with skills to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration to their families and society.

    The Humanitarian ministry donated 20 Tablets, 5 industrial Gas Cookers, 5 industrial frying pans and spoons for the rehabilitation of the clients.

  • ASUU Strike Has Worsened Drug Abuse – Obaseki

    ASUU Strike Has Worsened Drug Abuse – Obaseki

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Friday in Benin blamed the increasing rate of drug abuse in the state on the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

    Obaseki disclosed this while reviewing the state’s security situation for the months of February, March and April.

    He said Edo recorded 19 drug abuse cases in February, 34 cases in March and 23 cases in April.

    Recall that the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, embarked on strike in February over the failure of the Federal Government to address their concerns.

    “Drug abuse is now the number two issue of concern in our state,” Obaseki said.

    “Our analysis shows that there has been a high rate of consumption of drugs in the last few months.

    “This isn’t unconnected with the ASUU strike which has kept many students at home and idle.’’

    The review came following a joint security meeting between the state government and representatives of various security agencies in Edo.

    “I use the opportunity of this meeting to appeal to ASUU and the Federal Government to do all they can to end this strike as soon as possible,” Obaseki said.

    “This is in the interest of the children so that we don’t keep them at home and destroy their lives.

    “If they aren’t going to school, as you know the idle mind is a devil’s workshop. One way we hope that we can reduce the use of drugs is if we take these children back to school.’’

  • NDLEA Sokoto Office Decorates Senator Wamakko As Wider Ambassador On War Against Drug Abuse

    NDLEA Sokoto Office Decorates Senator Wamakko As Wider Ambassador On War Against Drug Abuse

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    The Chairman Senate Committee on Defense and Deputy Chairman Senate Committee on Anti Corruption and other related matters Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko has been decorated with the award of honor as Wider Ambassador on war against drug abuse by the Sokoto state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

    The release by Senator’s media aide Bashar Abubakar further said the decoration was performed by the Commandant of the Agency Alh Adamu Muhammad Iro at the residence of the Senator, Gawon Nama Sokoto.

    The Commandant while decorating senator Wamakko said this followed after immense contributions by the Senator as one of the major stakeholders in the country in fighting against drug abuse and trafficking.

    Alh. Iro said the command cannot forget the contributions given by the Senator especially as he built a new edifice to them in Sokoto when he was a Governor of state.

    The Commandant was accompanied during the visit to the Senator by the key officers of the command, said the agency had last week during it’s meeting awarded the Senator with the Honor which was held at the Sultan Muhammadu Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies, Sokoto but, then the Senator was in Abuja representing his Constituents.

    Responding, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko applauded the effort of NDLEA in fighting against drug abuse day and night.

    He expressed appreciation to the command by choosing him among many to be awarded with the Honor which he described as morale booster, adding that he will continue to do his best in assisting the command towards attainment of its set objectives.

  • Drug Abuse: Group Cautions Students Of Jeopardizing Future

    Drug Abuse: Group Cautions Students Of Jeopardizing Future

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Executive Director of the Enemona Josh Humanitarian Foundation, Mr. Williams Illah has cautioned students of tertiary institutions against the use of illicit drugs and other substances capable of destroying their future.

    Mr. Illah stated this in his paper presentation titled “Illicit use of substances and drug abuse,” presented during the Education Outreach Programme organized by the organization for matriculating students of Kogi State College of Education Ankpa.

    He pointed out that the President and founder of the Foundation, Ambassador Gabriel Onoja is worried over the decay in the society as a result of ritual killings, cultism, drugs abuse and other unethical conducts that are prevalent in the society as well as educational institutions.

    He noted that Onoja’s concern necessitated his social intervention programmes in schools to educate Nigerian youths on the dangers of social vices and how to distance themselves to better their future.

    The Executive Director attributed the major causes of drug abuse in the society to peer groups, lack of parental care, influence from parents that are into drugs, failure of the mass media to create educating contents, exposure of drugs to youths and lack of monitoring by the regulatory agencies.

    Illah who noted that the effect of illicit substances most often led to students having psychologically and emotionally problems which affects their studies, however, called on parents, government and regulatory agencies to be proactive in eradicating the incessant use of illicit drugs in tertiary institutions.

    “Illicit use of drugs also lead to stress, fatigue, anxiety, emotional disability” It is largely responsible for bullying, students beating up lecturers, suicide, rape and killing of fellow human beings,” he said.

    In his speech, the Provost of the College, Dr. Muhammed Kabir Ibrahim described the sensitisation embarked upon by the Foundation on the effect of illicit drugs as a welcome development, assuring that the institution would sustain the partnership already created by the organisation.

    “Apparently government alone cannot provide all the needs of any tertiary institution and we have been searching for a robust and sincere partnership, and Enemona Josh Humanitarian Foundation has proved to us that they are capable of partnering with us to move the citadel of learning higher” he said

  • Marwa Seeks ‘Integrity Test’ In All Universities To Combat Drug Abuse

    Marwa Seeks ‘Integrity Test’ In All Universities To Combat Drug Abuse

    Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has asked all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to make drug integrity tests an institutional policy for both new and returning students as part of efforts to fight the menace of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

    Gen. Marwa who made the call at the University of Abuja while launching the ‘drug-free university campaign’ on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, also called for a partnership between the NDLEA and the university system that will allow the agency set up outposts on campuses to further strengthen the authorities in fighting the scourge.

    According to him, “part of the measures to reduce drug use in the university is the proposed introduction of the Drug Integrity Test for both new and returning students.

    “The Drug Integrity Test is anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug policy for all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. It is expected that the University of Abuja, being the “University of National Unity”, will be the first public university in Nigeria to adopt the Drug Integrity Test for fresh and returning students of the institution”.

    Marwa added that “the Drug Integrity Test is not a punitive measure; rather it is an early detection tool to ascertain an individual’s drug use status for appropriate intervention, and timely treatment and care.

    “This will also entail that the university will develop a drug policy and make such available to each student. Equally important is the need to create an NDLEA outpost on the campus where we’ll deploy our men to assist the authorities, deter drug dealers and users within the university.”

    While commending the management of the University of Abuja for collaborating with NDLEA to organise the launch, he said “the theme, ‘Drug-Free University and Tertiary Institutions,’ is apt and timely as there is no better time than now to combat the drug challenge in the university community and among students.

    He said the menace of drug use in the country is of worrisome dimension, especially among the youth population.

    “The truth on the ground indicates that our society needs to do more. The National Drug Use and Health Survey of 2018 showed that Nigeria has a peculiar drug use prevalence. And it is instructive and worrisome to know that drug use was common among those aged 25-39 years, while the age of initiation was 22 years for heroin and 19 years for cannabis.

    “Note that these age groups comprised of young people who are either in secondary or tertiary institutions or are on the cusp of graduation. To simplify the report of the survey: young people are overwhelmingly the majority of drug abusers in Nigeria. That is a jolting reality because youths are the building blocks of every developed nation and anything that affects the youth population affects the nation.

    “The youth population constitutes the country’s workforce and the stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country would be. One, then, wonders what will become of Nigeria with about 70% youth population, if the future of its youths is ravaged by drugs.

    “To aggressively reverse the trend, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, GCFR, launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign on 26th June 2021 to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

    “The goal of WADA is to mobilize all Nigerians, especially the youth population, for active participation in the process of ridding our society of the drug menace. As one of the worst-hit age groups by the drug menace, Nigerian youths are critical stakeholders to the attainment of the laudable goals of WADA.

    “Since the launch of WADA, the Agency has initiated evidence-based prevention activities, which include focused advocacy, drug awareness campaign, sensitization, treatment and care of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). We have launched a renewed campaign and intensive sensitization, targeting youths in schools at all levels as well as youths out of school,” he stated.

    The NDLEA also asserted that “some years ago, the Agency opted to address the drug problem among youths by setting up in schools the Drug-Free Clubs. The pervasiveness and magnitude of the drug use problem has necessitated the change in the name of the club from Drug-Free Club to War Against Drug Abuse Club―WADA Club for short―to inject a renewed vibe and vigour into the club and its members.”

    He said the essence of the event was to officially launch the WADA Club in the University of Abuja and to formally inaugurate the War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors (WADA Ambassadors) among the staff of the institution.

    Marwa charged the students in the spirit of true patriotism to desire and work towards a country devoid of drugs and its attendant consequences.

    Others who spoke at the ceremony included representatives of the Minister of Education, National Universities Commission, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah.

    They commended the collaboration between NDLEA and the university as part of renewed efforts to stamp out the problem of drug abuse in the country.

  • 2023: NGO predicts spike in drug abuse, treats 700 addicts

    2023: NGO predicts spike in drug abuse, treats 700 addicts

    A Non Governmental Organization, Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse((CRISA) has warned of a spike in the abuse and usage of illicit drugs in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    This is even as the centre, established 32 years ago has treated more than 700 drug addicts in the last six years.

    Programme manager of CRISA, Mr. Nsidibe Francis, who disclosed this during a media roundtable at the weekend in Uyo said research by the organization indicate that cases of drug abuse would rise astronomically during the forthcoming electioneering campaigns.

    Francis appealed to the Federal and State governments and other relevant agencies to partner with CRISA to mount sensitization programmes across the country ahead of the polls to educate youths.

    “Our research reveals that substance abuse spikes during electioneering campaigns. Our centre intends to partner with governments at all levels to sensitize the people on the risk of substance abuse.

    “The government needs to change its approach to tackling drug-related issues. Rather than criminalize and punish abusers they should engage our services to sensitize and treat patients.” He explained.

    He revealed that the organization planned to build a residential treatment centre for the treatment of people suffering from after effects of substance abuse.

    “CRISA is a counseling and research centre for the treatment of persons affected by the abuse of hard drugs and substances.

    “The centre was established 32 years and we have treated close to 700 since 2016. We are planning to build a residential treatment centre.

    “What we currently have are drop-in centres where patients come and receive treatment and go back.” Francis said.

    Earlier, the Executive Director of CRISA, Professor Isidore Obot said that an estimated 14.3 million people in the country between that ages of 15 and 64 had used drugs excluding alcohol and tobacco.

  • Substance abuse can fuel new wave of Militancy in Niger Delta, says Dikio

    Substance abuse can fuel new wave of Militancy in Niger Delta, says Dikio

    NDLEA partners PAP to curb drug abuse

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa

    The Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (retd) has said that substance abuse among youths in the Niger Delta is capable of fueling a new wave of militancy in the region.

    Dikio, who spoke when he paid a visit to the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Buba Marwa (rtd), in Abuja said urgent steps should be taken to curb such abuse.

    Dikio in a statement signed on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Nneotaobase Egbe, said that the partnership between NDLEA and PAP would drastically reduce cases of drug abuse and reposition the minds of the youths for more productive ventures to sustain the peace and development in the region.

    He said: “We have a unique challenge in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) that of managing ex-militants; we call them ex-agitators. We want to take active measures to not only manage the present ex-agitators, but to pre-empt and stop the pipeline that leads to deviant behaviour and militancy.

    “It goes without saying that some of these people get their motivation by using or abusing substances, so we want to key into what you are doing on the arrest side and learn what we can do on the prevention side”.

    In his remarks, Marwa promised that the NDLEA would partner with PAP to curb the intake of hard drugs and other banned substances by youths in the Niger Delta.

    He decried the wave of drug-induced crime in the country, especially among youths noting that the collaboration between PAP and his agency would focus on sensitisation and counselling programmes as a major preventive measure to curb the menace.

    While identifying poverty as the main cause of drug abuse in Nigeria, the NDLEA boss explained that criminals used drugs to embolden themselves before embarking on any criminal activity.

    Marwa (rtd), who used the opportunity to reel out some alarming drug statistics in the country also lauded the willingness and commitment of Dikio to make the Niger Delta a drug-free zone.

    He said 80 per cent of drug users in the country only required counselling, adding that records corroborated by a United Nation’s study showed that in Nigeria, one in seven persons between age 23 to 64 abused drugs.

    He said: ” We have also found that the students, bandits, kidnappers, rapists, down the line youths, militants, use drugs and we will be very happy to collaborate with the Amnesty Programme.

    “We don’t need to wait for people to become drug addicts first; the majority have not used drugs, others have tasted but are not addicted to it. The ex-agitators are also normal human beings that will like to marry and raise families.

    “The advice we give that will deal with the drug problem is to find some source of income for them through skills acquisition and if it is affordable, some kind of wage structure”.

  • African Students Union Parliament Collaborates with Oyo Govt to Curb Drug Abuse

    African Students Union Parliament Collaborates with Oyo Govt to Curb Drug Abuse

    …As SUBEB Boss Bags Icon of Nation Building Award

    The Oyo State Government has said it will collaborate with the African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) in the fight against drug abuse across the State.

    This was disclosed during a courtesy visit of the Parliament to the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, in Ibadan on Thursday.

    Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Kewul Abel, from University of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana sought the State Government’s support in the Union’s ongoing sensitization programme against drug abuse across the African continent, urging the State Government to include Fight Against Drugs in its curriculum.

    He further said that the collaboration aims to successfully curtail the drug menace in Africa, adding that it became necessary due to the rising cases of illegal consumption of prohibited substances, especially among youths.

    The Speaker also noted that there was an urgent need for the present crop of African leaders, especially in the education sector to build on the dreams of the founding fathers of the union, in order to salvage the decay in the education sector.

    The Union also honoured the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran with the prestigious Icon of Nation Building Award.

    Presenting the award, Rt. Hon Abel said that the recipient, whose rise through his chosen endeavours as an Educationist, Lawyer and Politician has been an inspiration to many.

    Abel added that Dr. Adeniran is a leader and a role model of excellence with an incomparable inspiration whose name will go down in history as one of the most celebrated and most impactful leaders of our time.

    Recounting Adeniran’s several exploits in the public service, Rt. Hon. Abel revealed that ASUP cherishes his achievements, which is a morale booster for younger ones.

    In his remark, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Joseph Konan from Univerisite Felix Houpouet Boigny, Cote-d’ivoire praised the efforts of Dr. Adeniran in promoting the Basic education sector in the State.

    He therefore urged him not to relent in his quest to create an enabling environment for the younger generation, where the less privileged can have access to basic education, as this will further etch his name in the sands of history.

    He explained that the awardee was carefully selected by an international committee of students across Africa, due to his achievements in the basic education sub-sector he supervises.

    In his response, Dr. Nureni Adeniran who expressed the Board’s readiness to work with the Union in tackling drug abuse, noted that the Board has put in some necessary measures to curb any form of vices including drug abuse, across the State.

    Reacting to the award presentation, Dr. Adeniran thanked the Africa Student Union Parliament for the honour that has been bestowed on him, while he dedicated the award to his principal, Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he said gave him the enabling environment to operate.

    He also expressed his profound gratitude to the Board, Management and staff members of Oyo SUBEB for their unrelenting support and sacrifices at ensuring that the vision of the Board is kept alive.

    As an Icon of Nation Building, Dr. Adeniran was also given a ASUP Five-Star General Badge, as well as a matching certificate.

    It would be recalled that the West African Students Union (WASU), now African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) was formed in London in 1925 by Sir Kwame Nkrumah and presently has an estimated 50 million African students under its umbrella.

  • Students union advocates holistic approach to tackle drug abuse

    Students union advocates holistic approach to tackle drug abuse

    The Pan-African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) on Tuesday called for a holistic approach to tackling illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

    The Nigerian Coordinator of ASUP, Mr Henry Nwankwo, made the call in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos.

    Nwankwo decried the high rate of drug abuse among teenagers and students in the country.

    He said the increasing rate of drug abuse had called for urgent intervention of governments, families, schools and organisations.

    According to him, there is a need for government to put in place policies that will bring drastic reduction in drug abuse, gender-based violence and illicit trafficking.

    “As these are the roots of social crimes in the society,” he said.

    Nwankwo urged the Federal Government to key into the international human rights standard by mainstreaming gender and age perspective into drug related policies.

    He said that legal age restrictions on existing drug-related health services should be reviewed and made accessible.

    “The Federal Government needs to do more to tackle illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the country.

    “It must prioritise and address the root causes of involvement in drug trade, including poverty and social marginalisation.

    “A holistic approach that requires the effort of all stakeholders should be applied to tackle this menace that has bedeviled the country.

    “Governments, international organisations, NGOs, parents, religious bodies, traditional rulers, head of schools at various levels and entire community need to wake up and fight to save children from the tragedy of drug abuse,” Nwankwo said.

    Nwankwo said the effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking were far-reaching and the negative impact on individual, families and society, as a whole was multi-fold.

    “Many families are battling and contending with drug addicts, some have quit schools and work dysfunctional homes, some are on the verge of lunacy or battling with acute diseases.

    “Drug abuse leads to the deterioration of an individual’s relationship, finances and health.

    “Drug abuse can lead to mental health problems such as depression, paranoia, hallucinations and brain damage,” he said.

    Nwankwo said one of the mandates of the union was to campaign against use of illicit substances, drug abuse and addiction.

    According to him, the union is on its first-phase of campaign against drug abuse; moving round Nigerian universities and polytechnics to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to abstain from it.