Deborah Ocheni
Abuja
Stakeholders have called for stronger community-based action, youth engagement, and collective responsibility to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse among young Nigerians, warning that drug abuse has become a major threat to national development, security, and social stability.
The call was made during the commemoration of the 2026 World Drug Abuse Day, the grand finale of the Queen ASACADA 4.0 campaign, and the launch of an anti-drug campaign book organised by the Adorable Foundation International (AFI) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, AFI Founder, Princess Ada Okeke, stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy in addressing drug abuse among young people, noting that awareness and early education are crucial in protecting youths from the dangers of substance use.
She said the foundation would continue to support efforts aimed at building a drug-free society through advocacy, sensitisation programmes, and youth-focused initiatives that educate young people on the health, social, and legal consequences of drug abuse.
According to her, the participation of more than 15 schools in this year's campaign demonstrates growing commitment among students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders to confront the challenge collectively.
Also speaking, AFI National Youth Coordinator, Udochukwu Azike, described substance abuse as a multidimensional problem that extends beyond public health concerns, affecting families, communities, and the nation's economic productivity.
He noted that drug abuse fuels crime, weakens social structures, and undermines the potential of young people, stressing that the fight against the scourge requires the involvement of all sectors of society.
Azike urged parents, schools, faith-based organisations, corporate institutions, civil society groups, and youths to work together in promoting prevention, rehabilitation, and sustained awareness campaigns.
He added that the Queen ASACADA 4.0 initiative was designed to raise a new generation of youth advocates who would champion anti-drug campaigns and positive behavioural change within their communities.
Delivering a keynote address on "Morals and Discipline in Youths," National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura, emphasised the importance of moral values and self-discipline in addressing social vices among young people.
Represented by Saratu Abomatann, she expressed concern over increasing cases of drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, violence, and examination malpractice, describing them as symptoms of declining moral standards.
She urged young people to embrace integrity, hard work, respect for authority, and responsible use of social media while focusing on education, skills acquisition, and personal development.
Azura also called on parents and educators to play more active roles in shaping the character of young people, noting that effective moral guidance begins at home and should be reinforced in schools and communities.
Participants, including students and members of the National Youth Service Corps, pledged to intensify grassroots awareness campaigns and youth-led interventions aimed at reducing substance abuse and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The event also featured the launch of an anti-drug campaign book intended to sustain public awareness and encourage wider community participation in the fight against substance abuse.
Representatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force, educators, parents, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders attended the programme.
.jpg)
0 Comments