An NGO, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has urged stakeholders and government at all levels to invest in prevention and treatment programmes to stem the tide of drug abuse in the country.
The Founder of the Organisation, Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 World Drug Day theme is: “Evidence is clear; invest in prevention,”.
Ezeanyaeche who also doubles as the National Coordinator said drug abuse remained a global menance that should be jointly tackle by all to curb its upsurge and the devastating effects in the society.
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to begin to see the issue of drug abuse as a public health problem.
He said that drugs, substances abuse and illicit drug trafficking were the template behind most of the crime being perpetrated in the country.
According to him, about 70 to 75 per cent crimes committed globally were under the influence of drugs. Wherever there is crime, there is drug, and wherever there is drug there is crime.
”The need to prevent drug abuse particularly at the grassroots has become imperative, because drug problem is not respective of ages, races, genders or social status.
“The government need to invest so much more in prevention and treatment programmes which include: training, sensitisation, advocacy, policy formulation that will aid to stem the tide of drug abuse.
”Government at all levels must ensure that treatment centres are available, prevention programmes be on the way, and let people who are in drug owned up to the reality and be ready to change,” he said.
The NGO boss advised those who already involved in drug abuse to come to the point of making the decision to really want to quit drug abuse, and seek the right help.
He emphasised that one way to effectively prevent drug abuse among youths, was by giving them self-confidence, strength, skills and abilities to say no to drugs.
He assured the readiness of the NGO to collaborate with all concerned to prevent drug abuse and the harm that drugs could cause to families and society in general.
”We will continually work together with law enforcement agencies to enforce drug laws to stem and seize the flow of illicit drugs.
“Together, we can tackle the world drug problem, “he affirmed.
The NGO boss called for partnership with spirited organisations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in capacity building especially in the thematic areas of drug abuse, sensitisation, awareness and preventive strategy.
He advised the young people not to ruin their lives by engaging in drug abuse, while enjoining parents to watch over their children and guide them in the right direction.
Ezeanyaeche assured that the NGO would continue to work with the media and drug enforcement agency to achieve its purpose of a drug-free society.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking, is marked on 26th June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
