GOV. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has urged stakeholders, including parents, to work together and adopt pragmatic policies to curb drug abuse among Nigerian children and youths.

The outgoing governor, who spoke through the state Head of Service, Mrs Amidat Agboola, made the call on the occasion of the 2019 National Children’s Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the year is tagged: “Drug Abuse among Children: Addressing the Challenges.”

Ajimobi said that the introduction and implementation of policies and strategies aimed at tackling the menace of drug abuse would help children attain their full potentials.

“The theme for this year is deliberate in the view of the disturbing reports concerning the increasing rate of drug abuse among children and the youths.

“It is indeed worrisome to note that some of our children who engage his unwholesome act now experience mental health challenges and have engaged in violent activities.

“As stakeholders, we are desirous of building a better future for our children because they are our legacy.

“If we allow drugs and other social vices to destroy our children today, we are destroying not only our future but also that of the country, ” he said.

Ajimobi also called on parents to monitor the activities of their children and ensure they keep good company to avoid negative peer pressure.

The governor also tasked the children to steer clear of abusive and addictive substances and have respect for their parents.

In her remarks, the Superintendent of Narcotics, Oyo Command of  NDLEA, Temitope Ashiriyimu, described drug abuse among children as a problem causing serious concern to both individuals and government in the country.

“The problem of drug abuse is prevalent among adolescents who in most cases are ignorant about the dangers inherent in drug abuse.

“Many of them engage in drug abuse out of frustration, poverty, lack of parental supervision, peer influence and pleasure.

“Drug abuse among adolescents have contributed to the number of youths that are incarcerated and also to insurgency.

“Abusive and addictive substances are no respecter of age, social status and profession,” she said.

Ashirimiyu identified tobacco, alcohol, inhalants and cannabis sativa as examples of abusive substances.

She said side effects of drug abuse include liver cirrhosis, peptic ulcer, tuberculosis, sleeplessness, mental retardation and neurological disorder.

According to her, the menace can be tackled through effective counseling and public sensitisation.

She called on stakeholders including parents and relevant agencies to collaborate with the agency in the fight against drug abuse to guarantee a better future for children.

-NAN

BE

– May 27, 2019 @ 18:59 GMT |