The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.
Speaking at the launch of the agency’s youth programme, “Catch Them Young,” held at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, Adeyeye highlighted troubling statistics from recent research. She noted that one in four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offenses.
These arrests include 73% for drug possession, 12% for theft, 5% for sex work, 4% for burglary, and 2% for shoplifting. She added, “This data only reflects reported arrests. If we account for unreported crimes, it becomes clear we are facing a significant challenge.”
NAFDAC
Adeyeye emphasized the adverse effects of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development.
To combat this issue, NAFDAC launched a comprehensive programme aimed at reducing drug abuse among secondary school students. She explained that drug addiction can stem from both legal substances, such as prescription medications, and illicit drugs.
“This programme is not meant to scare you but to foster honest conversations that will help you make informed decisions about illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,” she stated.
Earlier, Rivers State NAFDAC Coordinator, Mr. Onogwu Emmanuel, explained that the programme targets secondary school students due to their vulnerability. He noted that the initiative is designed to empower youths, as future leaders, to play an active role in preventing drug abuse.
He further disclosed that two schools from each of the state’s three senatorial districts were chosen for the pilot phase of the project.
The Principal of the host school, Gladys Iheumamme, praised NAFDAC for the initiative and urged the agency to sustain the programme to safeguard the future of Nigerian youth.
