Educationist takes War on Drug Abuse to Igabi, North-West Nigeria …Sensitizes 150 Students on Harmful Effects

Educationist takes War on Drug Abuse to Igabi, North-West Nigeria

…Sensitizes 150 Students on Harmful Effects

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, North-West, NIGERIA

The dangers of drug and substance abuse have once again been stressed.  An educationists expressing concern over its continuous spread said millions of lives have been ruined particularly within the adolescent circle.

This concern was raised during a one- day sallah get –together/ symposium  at Ach Namadi Sambo’s Skills Acquisition Center  Rigasa, Igabi North Western Nigeria.

The Chairman Rigasa Students Association, (RSA) Comrade Yunusa Bala Mohammed during his lecture with the theme Titled: ‘Drug Education and Ways to Fight it’ opened up on the harmful effects of drug abuse among youth and ways with which to abstain from it.

Drugs abuse he said poses a very big problem in the world today and it is ruining the lives of many millions of people both in adolescent and general population.

He said no nation has been spared from the devastating problem caused by drugs and substance abuse.

Bala noted that the rate with which the use of illegal drugs has spread is alarming saying it has penetrated every part of the world.

“Drug-related deaths are on the rise across the globe hence the need to immensely commence the sensitization of rural and urban youth on various ways of abstaining from the illicit use of drugs so as to make their future better”.

The effects of drug abuse comrade Bala had pointed out to include, the decreasing performance in work or school which could lead to disciplinary actions such as expulsion or dismissal as well as resulting to money problems and possibly legal troubles. This could also lead to the discontinuity of student’s participation in sports and other social activities.

“One of the side effects of drug abuse is the decreased involvement in activities the person used to enjoy, Inability to stop using the substance or change behavior even when the problems above are present, loss of friendship and family”. He said.

According to him, “the association has gathered all the students residing in the community so as to raise this awareness and to equally let them know the effect of drug abuse.

“Today many youngsters are entering into drug addiction but we have to let them know that life without drugs is more beautiful because with drugs one will definitely loose his/her life.”

“There are many type of drugs youth and adolescents use in their daily lives which are very dangerous and these includes, Cocaine, Heroin, Cigarettes, Alcohol – Beer, wine, Caffeine, Marijuana Hydrocarbons – Glue, gasoline, cleaning solutions, varnish, paint thinners, nail polish remover, and lighter fluids, all distilled from petroleum and natural gas, belong to the class of hydrocarbons which they inhaled or sniff.

The education expert charged all stake holders to remain committed in the fight to stem the menace. He called on Teachers, parents, traditional institutions, NGO’s and CSO’s, Youth organization, Mosques and Churches to strengthen their campaigns as “all hands must be on deck for the fight against drug abuse to succeed in our schools, communities and Gettos”

Not only should drug dealers be made to face the wrath of law but with tougher punishment. He sounded.