Youth
THE Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) has launched a project to rehabilitate 40,000 youths involved in drug abuse across the country.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday in Abuja, President of the organisation, Dr. Hope Abraham said that the project would commence in Abuja very soon.
He said that the project is expected to be carried out in at least 20 centres across the six geo-political zones of the country.
The president said that it is targeted at Youths with the objectives of treating at least 40,000 youths with Drug Use Disorder, skills acquisition, and vocational training.
He said that startups and setting up of self–help groups would be provided during and after the formal treatment.
“VGADA is a nonprofit public benefit organization. In ensuring a Drug-Free Nigeria, our activities in the last two years spanned across sensitization, awareness, policy advocacy, drug demand reduction, and treatment.
“Our work is supported solely by the generous donations of individuals and corporations enabling us to provide our programs across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, the past year prevalence of any drug use is estimated at 14.4 percent or 14.3million people aged between 15 and 64 years with the largest proportion of this being youths.
“The best programmes for drug addiction treatment have been found to be a combination of therapy and other services such as, counseling and treatment, skills acquisition that meet the needs of the individual.
“Drug addiction treatments have been found to reduce drug use by 40-60 percent, reduce crime by 40 – 60 percent and increases employment prospects by 40 percent,” he said.
Abraham said that the expected outcomes of the project were a reduction in the population of individuals who abuse drugs in Nigeria.
He added it would also help to boost the overall Nigerian economy as a result of the establishment of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
“This project is also inextricably linked to the achievement of multiple targets of Sustainable Development Goals, Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse including drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol,“ he said.
Abraham commended the effort of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other Enforcement agencies that had helped in curbing the menace of drugs in the country.
The Chairman, NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (rtd) appreciated the NGO for the effort so far in ensuring that drug-related issues were curbed to the barest minimum in Nigeria.
He was represented by the Head, partnership, and special projects, Mr. Ameh Inalegwu.
Abdallah said that the consumption of prohibited substances had become a serious challenge to the growth and development of society.
“This programme today is not just public enlightenment projecting education and awareness but also creating a platform for drug abusers to get out of drugs and be a better person.
“Part of our mandate is to ensure that demand and supply of drugs are reduced to the barest minimum.
“It is a good thing to know that the organisation has been working towards a drug-free society by sensitising youths on drugs and its adverse effects,” he said.
Abdallah who promised to assist the organisation, reiterated the agency`s commitment to ensure that the programme was successful. (NAN)
– Aug. 12, 2020 @ 18.45 GMT |
Tags: 000 youths nationwide Drug Abuse: NGO to rehabilitate 40
