The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that an estimated 14 million Nigerians are struggling with drug addiction.
This alarming figure was disclosed by the Deputy Commander of the Ondo State NDLEA Command, Mrs. Yetunde Joyifous, during a drug abuse awareness event held in Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area. The event was organized by the Oijefon Youth Council to educate secondary school students about the dangers of drug abuse.
Joyifous explained that the substances commonly abused include harmful chemicals that affect the mental state of users. She warned that drug abuse poses a serious threat to society, especially among young people, who are the most vulnerable group. She urged all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, to work together with law enforcement agencies to curb the growing crisis.
“I want to thank the Oijefon Youth Council for partnering with the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse in society,” she noted.
The NDLEA official stressed that without proper intervention, many young people could fall deeper into addiction, which could negatively impact their future and the country at large. She encouraged more awareness programs and collaborations to address the issue effectively.
In his address, the President of the Oijefon Youth Council, Adedokun Adeyonu, explained that the program was organized to discourage young people from engaging in drug abuse.
“Drug abuse means using harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs in a way that harms the body and mind,” he noted.
