By Joan Odafe
The Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has warned that the nation stands the risk of losing an entire generation to addiction if decisive action is not taken to eradicate the menace of drug abuse.
The foundation gave the warning during a stakeholders‘ engagement, with the theme, “Communities in Crisis, Tackling Drug Abuse Together”, on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the foundation to further create awareness and forge partnerships that will help fight drug abuse in communities.
Speaking, traditional ruler of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, decried the impact of drug abuse in communities.
“This issue is destroying lives, tearing families apart and threatening the future of our youths,” he said.
Elegushi noted that the fight of eradicating the menace of drug abuse from communities was not a fight for the government alone.
The traditional ruler urged all institutions, including government agencies, security forces, healthcare providers and communities, to work together to secure a better future for everyone.
He pledged his support in raising awareness, promoting rehabilitation and ensuring that the community becomes a place of healing and hope.
A traditional leader of the community, Chief Olalekan Bakare, said the event was not just about addiction but a call to action to a public health emergency that required urgent intervention.
Making reference to recent statistics from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bakare said 14 million Nigerians misuse drugs.
Bakare said the statistics was a harsh reality affecting families and communities; destroying lives, fueling crime and robbing the nation of its future leaders.
“The prevalence rate of drug abuse in Nigeria is 14.4 per cent more than twice the global average of 5.6 per cent.
“In the South-West zone, including Lagos State, the prevalence is even higher at 22.4 per cent, affecting approximately 4.4 million people.
“If we do not take decisive action, we risk losing an entire generation to addiction,” he said.
Bakare noted that drug abuse could cause severe health consequences, including mental health disorders, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory complications and sexual and reproductive health problems.
He urged institutions including families, schools, bars, clubs, public figures, community and religious leaders, NGOs, to recognise the crucial roles they play in the community, and collaborate to win the battle against drug abuse.
The Director, Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation, Aiki Odiawa, said the programme was also aimed at forging partnerships, exchanging ideas, and developing sustainable solutions to tackle the menace of drug abuse.
Odiawa said: “Drug abuse has become a crisis that threatens not just individuals but the very fabric of our society.
“It weakens our families, disrupts our communities, and hinders the development of our nation.”
She pledged the foundation’s commitment to building a better future for everyone through its initiatives, including access to quality health, educational support, sports, safe environment, arts and culture.
Deputy Commander, Operations and Training, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lamuwa Shehu, said the society and culture of many African communities promote the consumption of drugs , through cultural practices and norms.
Shehu, however, said to address the issue of drug abuse, it would have to be stopped from the foundation.
“If we want to stop the drug problem, we will not have communities in crisis.
“90 per cent of communities, parents and homes in Nigeria have offered their children, have ensured that their children are good and have excellent career progression in life.
“When you train your child not to use drugs, forget about drug influence, forget about whatever,” he said. (NAN) (www nannews.ng)
Edited Folasade Adeniran
