By Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM) has taken awareness creation campaign about the dangers of drug abuse in Nigeria to the senators and members of house of representatives in National Assembly.
The association was however hosted by the Senate and the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, as well as collaborated with them toward ensuring that the trend is controlled to the barest minimum in the country.
The event took place at the senate on Thursday.
In her welcome address, titled: Parents Inclusion in the Fight against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours, Key to a Great National Ambassador of NANDRUM, Dr Christabel Regan Okoye, who doubles as the Executive Secretary, Joint Committee on Drug and Narcotics noted with concern that in recent times, drug has become integral part of the country’s popular culture.
She said: “In recent times, drugs have become an integral part of our popular culture, especially in movies and music, while Hollywood may display drug use as a fashionable and music Lyrics may sometimes glorify them, the reality of drug abuse is far beyond imagination.
“In view of this, this annual beneficial program was conceived to give assistance to our upcoming youths and teenagers. Children needs to be trained from home, because homes is a start point in combating drug abuse and reckless behaviors. Parents should as a matter of fact, start this talk and discussions from their homes, inform them early in life; let them understand the danger of abusing drug. It must be a constant and daily discussion.”
Drug abuse, according to her has brought shame to Nigerian nation, among the committee of Nations, adding that drug abuse is a cankerworm and has destroyed millions of children, youths and adults. Stating that ignorance has never been an excuse, Mrs Okoye therefore stated that drug addicts make up so many numbers in correctional centers, police cells and psychiatric homes
“The way out of all these, is sensitization, giving the youth skills, Jobs and encouraging them until they as stable in life. Drug abuse could affect anybody, when a kidnapper, armed robber or bandit catches up with you or your children, you will begin to sing a different song. Let us fight this battle from our homes. To our communities and to our local churches, I sincerely solicit for your support in any way you can as a good citizen of Nigeria,” she stated, while informing that NANDRUM is saddled with the responsibility of disseminating this information, sensitizing the general public and reporting back to the committees.”
I want to use this opportunity to thank all the attendees, our award recurrent, our sponsors gentlemen of the press.
While thanking Senator Dankwimbo Ibrahim, the Senate Committee Chairman for the opportunity and to the Hon. Chairman, House Committee, Hon Abbass Adigun and all the committee members, she therefore prayed that God finds a lasting solution to the problems of drug abuse in Nigeria
However, in separate remarks, the senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Chairmen of Committee on Drugs and Narcotics from both upper and lower legislative chambers commended management of NANDRUM for efforts it has been making to create awareness about the dangers of drug abuse in the country.
