Thursday, 13 February 2025 04:43

NDLEA reports 14m Nigerians indulge in drug abuse

Rate this item
(0 votes)

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that approximately 14 million Nigerians are estimated to be involved in the abuse of harmful substances. This alarming statistic was shared by Yetunde Joyifous, Deputy Commander of the NDLEA, during an awareness program organized by the Oijefon Youth Council for secondary school students in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday.

Joyifous emphasized that tackling the issue of drug abuse requires a collective effort from all members of the community. She highlighted that the most commonly abused substances are chemical drugs, which have detrimental effects on the mental health of users.

“The only way to address this growing problem is to involve all stakeholders in the community and encourage them to collaborate with authorities in the fight against this dangerous trend,” she stated.

She also pointed out that secondary school students are particularly vulnerable to drug abuse and called for increased efforts to safeguard them from its harmful effects.

Adedokun Adeyonu, President of the Oijefon Youth Council, explained that the program was designed to educate and discourage young people from engaging in drug abuse. He defined drug abuse as the use of harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, in ways that damage both physical and mental health.

Adeyonu identified curiosity, peer pressure, and the desire to escape life’s challenges as key factors driving drug use among young people. He also noted that exposure to certain movies and music could contribute to the normalization of drug abuse.

The event was attended by secondary school students from Ile Oluji and representatives from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), underscoring the importance of community-wide initiatives to combat this pressing issue.

May 17, 2025

Nigeria's major producer halts oil feeds into key pipeline for crude exports after burst

Nigerian oil firm Renaissance Energy has halted production on one line feeding into the Trans…
May 12, 2025

Northern leaders demand urgent action on insecurity, push for state police

Amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, the 19 Northern governors and traditional rulers have called for…
May 16, 2025

Maple syrup and honey are both natural sweeteners. Which is better for you?

Sarah Jacoby Natural sweeteners — especially maple syrup and honey — have taken over social…
May 17, 2025

Woman files for divorce after ChatGPT read husband’s affair in coffee cup

A Greek woman decided to divorce her husband of 12 years after ChatGPT told her…
May 17, 2025

Finland charges Simon Ekpa with terrorism over Biafra agitation

The Finnish government has formally charged Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and controversial pro-Biafra activist,…
May 17, 2025

What to know after Day 1178 of Russia-Ukraine war

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE Russia’s top negotiator outlines key outcomes of Istanbul talks Russia’s chief negotiator at…
May 11, 2025

African diet – plantains and cassava can be as healthy as tomatoes and olive oil,…

Plantains, cassava and fermented banana drink should be added to global healthy eating guidelines alongside…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.