The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse. She disclosed this during the launch of the agency’s youth initiative, “Catch Them Young,” held at Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
Citing research, Adeyeye noted that one in four high-risk drug users had been arrested for drug-related offenses, with 73% of arrests linked to drug possession, followed by theft (12%), sex work (5%), burglary (4%), and shoplifting (2%). She emphasized that these figures likely underestimate the problem, as many crimes go unreported.
Highlighting the adverse effects of drug abuse on families, society, and national development, Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC introduced the youth-focused program to curb drug abuse among secondary school students. The initiative aims to encourage informed decisions regarding drug use and alcohol consumption.
State Coordinator for NAFDAC in Rivers, Onogwu Emmanuel, stressed the vulnerability of secondary school students to drug abuse, emphasizing their role as future leaders. The pilot phase of the program includes two schools from each of Rivers State’s three senatorial zones.
Gladys Iheumamme, Principal of Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, lauded the initiative and called for its continuation to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s youth.
