In light of a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime in Nigeria, which revealed that 14.4% of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 abuse drugs, Peter Obi, a member of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his dismay. This percentage is significantly higher than the global average of 5.6%.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, attributed the rampant drug abuse to a failure in leadership, widespread poverty and frustration, peer pressure among young people, and the high rate of unemployment. He emphasized that urgent action is needed to address this issue before it worsens.
The LP presidential candidate, in a statement posted on his verified Twitter account, commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their relentless efforts in combating drug abuse in the country. However, he stressed that more needs to be done by the government to rescue the younger generation from further succumbing to drug addiction.
On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Obi called for consistent and sustained actions to combat the persistent menace of drug abuse. He underscored the severity of the situation, highlighting the alarming rise in mental health disorders and instances of suicidal behavior among young people resulting from drug abuse.
Peter Obi urged the government to prioritize initiatives aimed at rescuing Nigerian youths, who form a crucial part of the nation’s workforce, from the clutches of drug addiction. While acknowledging the efforts of the NDLEA, he emphasized the need for additional measures to effectively address this pressing issue.
SOURCE: Royal Times
IMAGE: Arise
