NAFDAC Launches Campaign Against Drug Abuse in Nigerian Secondary Schools
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched the 'NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme' to combat drug abuse among secondary school students in Nigeria.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated a significant campaign aimed at combating drug abuse among secondary school students in Nigeria. Dubbed the 'NAFDAC Catch Them Young Programme,' this initiative emphasizes drug abuse education and awareness to tackle the growing menace of substance misuse among the youth.
The launch took place at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, spearheaded by NAFDAC's Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. During her address, Prof. Adeyeye revealed alarming statistics, noting that approximately 14.4% of Nigerians, equating to around 14.3 million individuals, are currently affected by drug abuse.
Prof. Adeyeye underscored the importance of the program, highlighting that the youth, particularly teenagers, are the most vulnerable group. She elaborated on the nature of drug abuse, which encompasses the excessive use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, pain medications, and illegal drugs.
The NAFDAC DG warned that legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, often become accessible to youths, contributing to the rising rates of abuse. The health implications are dire, with potential outcomes including drug addiction, serious illnesses, and even death. Additionally, long-term drug use poses risks to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Prof. Adeyeye also pointed out cognitive effects such as impaired memory, learning difficulties, and the potential for severe mental health issues, including psychosis, schizophrenia, and hallucinations. She stressed the broader societal impacts, stating that drug and alcohol abuse threaten family stability, workforce productivity, and the overall economy.
The Principal of Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Joseph Akoh, expressed gratitude to NAFDAC for choosing their school as the launch site for this vital program. He pledged the school's commitment to achieving the goals of the consumer safety club and the anti-drug campaign, urging students to reject drug abuse as it jeopardizes their lives and futures.
