A Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, in Nigeria, Social Watch Anti-Drug Abuse Academy SWADAA has rehabilitated a total of 122 victims of various forms of illicit drugs substance abuse back to society.
The victims were trained in different entrepreneurship skills at SWADAA in Nyaya, Abuja in order to enhance self-reliance and to contribute to the development of the country.
June 26 every year is set aside by UN to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to create awareness about issues related to drugs and seek international cooperation to combat its effects on health, society, and governance.
The National Youth Director ,SWADAA, Mr. Ephraim Obot said through the support of Federal Capital Territory Administration, the NGO was able to rehabilitate victims empowering them in different skills.
He explained that “the country including all the apparatus of government will be living under the mercy of miscreants if actions are not taking in mitigating drug addicts in the society.”
“Under this we deemed it necessary to engage this youths through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship business development to bring their spirit, soul and body together, because we believe when they are not idle the devil will not continue to use them to the detriment of their lives, families and the society at large“. Mr. Obot explained.
Mr. Obot noted that most of the victims at the center were brought through the NGO’s awareness campaigns explaining that they were trained on Metal fabrication, Shoe making, Tailoring, Confectionaries and digital skills.
He appealed to government at all levels and other private organisations to assist the Center with starter packs and other items to help empower and rehabilitate more victims into the society.
Two beneficiaries Samson Joseph and Miracle Chukwuemeka who expressed their gratitude to the NGO also called on Nigerian youths to do away with drugs in order not to die young.
The theme the 2021International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is ‘Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives’.
Lateefah Ibrahim
