NDLEA raises alarm over increasing drug abuse among youths

The National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has raised alarm over the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths nationwide.

The Commander, Oyo State Command, Olayinka Fadile raised the alarm during a courtesy call on Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun at his Alarere residence, Ibadan.

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According to him, “The agency is worried about the rate at which our youths abuse drugs. They have graduated from hemp smoking to others and more dangerous synthetic drugs that are now manufactured under various names like Colos, Loud and all sorts of other names too numerous to mention, making the future to look bleak for our youths if care is not taken.

“It is for this reason that we are engaging all the critical stakeholders like Your Imperial Majesty with the conviction that with your support, we will succeed. This was part of what led to the WADA, the initiative of our Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Bubba Marwa (Rtd) and for which Your Imperial Majesty is now being made an Ambassador.

“The initiative is an advocacy campaign to create awareness that will spread through the society with anti-drug culture.

“It entails setting up coordinated anti drug programs and committees across the communities which are expected of our ambassadors.

“We are counting on Your Imperial Majesty as our ambassador to help create drug awareness activities that will suffuse society with offensive actions against drug activities,” the Commander added.

He also expressed optimism that the efforts will positively impact on the general well-being of the citizenry and the image of the country.

“This at the end will lead to creation and maintenance of a positive image for our community and Nigeria as a whole.”

Earlier, Oba Balogun lamented the proliferation of illicit drugs among the youths and charged the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to remain up and doing in tackling the problem that is becoming cancerous.

Olubadan, who was decorated as Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by Commander Fadile during the visit said the entire traditional council of Ibadan was worried about the unpleasant situation in the various community compounds in the hinterland where boys and girls now take pride in drug abuse without let or hindrance, asking the agency to check the situation.

“We assure you of our cooperation and collaboration to stem the ugly tide. At the palace level, we are in constant touch with the Mogajis and Baales on the need to monitor their respective areas and ensure that all manners of crime are exposed for proper sanction. We won’t relent. Making me Ambassador of your advocacy campaign is a welcome responsibility which will permeate the entire traditional system.”