By Sani Adamu Musa
Being a Special write up on “The International Day against Drug abuse”, written by Sani Adamu Musa, a serving Corp member in Gombe with a state code Gm/22A/2509.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is Marked on 26, June Every Year to Strengthen Action and Cooperation in Achieving a World Free of Abuse.
Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.
This necessitated the UN General Assembly to designate 26,June of every year to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse in the societies.
The Theme of 2022 World Drug Day is”Addressing Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis”.
Drug abuse and illicit trafficking have become alarming and increasingly becoming sophisticated amongst younger segment of the societies.
According to reports, about 200 million people consume drugs worldwide while 25 million people are estimated to be affected by drug use disorder with over 5 million death recorded yearly.
Consequently, in Nigeria the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) found that 40 percent of youths aged between 18-35 were deeply involved in drug abuse in 2021.
Also, in the period under review, 3.5 million kilograms of illicit drugs across the country have been confiscated and over 500 hectors of cannabis land destroyed across deep forest in the country, according to Directorate of Media Advocacy National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
While it is every onets right to benefit from strong anti drugs abuse effect, fighting the menace also require holistic approach from all segments of the society, every person, young and old has a role to play in combating and preventing drugs abuse and illicit trafficking.
Parents at the initial stage of moulding the character and behavior of their children have significant role towards fighting the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Government at all levels should intensify the ongoing anti drug law campaign and take extra measures against the Plorifaration of those patronizing the illicit substances.
There is need for information that can aid parading those who engaged in such negative tendency of in addition to anti drug law campaign right from primary education to enable the younger ones understand the danger of consuming illicit substance.
On the other hand, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders have a vital role to play in addressing the menace.
Finally, the role of media toward providing information, education and enlightenment about the danger of drug abuse and illicit trafficking can not be over stressed.
Drug abuse must be jointly fought by all to ensure a decent and developed society.
