Summit: NOA DG, Monarch, Medical Expert warn against drug abuse, urge stakeholders to fight the menace
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has warned Nigerian youth about the dangers of drug abuse, raising concerns over the alarming rise in substance abuse across the country.
Issa-Onilu made this call while delivering his keynote address at the second Kwara Stakeholders’ Summit on Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Control, themed “Synthetic Drug Crisis: United for a Safer Kwara”, organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Drug Abuse, Prevention, and Control, held on Thursday at the banquet hall, Ilorin.
The NOA Director General emphasized that the surge in drug abuse has reached a critical level, urging key stakeholders to unite and take decisive action against the growing threat of synthetic drugs and their devastating impact on young people.
“The rise in the use of synthetic drugs among our youth is alarming. It is a crisis that demands urgent and collective action from all stakeholders because substance abuse has been directly linked to violent crimes and social unrest,” Issa-Onilu said.
To combat synthetic drug use, he advocated for increased awareness campaigns, strengthened legal frameworks, community mobilization to reject and report drug peddlers, and behavioral interventions.
He also called on parents, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, educators, and community heads to take an active role in educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
“ We must work together to raise awareness and provide the necessary support systems to protect our youth from falling victim to this menace,” he added.
Issa-Onilu further urged the media to play a proactive role in curbing misinformation and disseminating accurate, timely information that could aid in eradicating drug abuse.
According to him, “ the battle against drug abuse is one we cannot afford to lose. We must reclaim our society from drugs, and it starts with sustained conversations in our homes and communities.”
He also stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach, including community-driven, intelligence-based enforcement and legislative measures to strengthen the fight against drug abuse.
The NOA DG commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for spearheading the campaign, pledging NOA’s continued support in the fight against drug-related criminality.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying advocacy and awareness campaigns nationwide, particularly targeting young people.
Also speaking at the summit, the Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, advised youth to safeguard their mental health by avoiding drug abuse. He cautioned against idolizing celebrities who engage in substance abuse, urging young people to focus on self-improvement.
“ You don’t need to get intoxicated to be inspired. Instead, invest in research, stay focused, and work hard to succeed in life,” the monarch said.
The Oloro of Oro also called on community leaders to strengthen their response, mobilize resources, and develop strategic initiatives to curb drug abuse in their respective domains.
In his remarks, the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, Prof. Issa Baba Awoye, described drug abuse and addiction as major public health concerns, affecting millions worldwide.
Prof. Awoye identified poverty, weak enforcement of drug laws, peer pressure, and easy accessibility as some of the key factors driving synthetic drug use.
He urged the government and relevant NGOs to step up public awareness efforts, enforce drug laws more effectively, and improve access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
Similarly, university lecturer and Islamic scholar Dr. Mahmud Danjuma emphasized that drug addiction could be better addressed if society stopped idolizing celebrities involved in substance abuse or promoting social vices.
The summit brought together key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, educators, government officials, NYSC members, students, policymakers, and community leaders.
The event aimed to foster collaboration in tackling the drug abuse epidemic and promoting a safer, healthier society.
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