As the world marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed every June 26th of the year annually, Nigerians are reminded of the collective responsibility to protect our youths from the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse in the country especially in Niger state.
The World Drug Day is observed annually with this year’s global campaign focuses on the theme:
“The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” highlighting the urgent need for compassion-driven, new challenges, evidence-based, and innovative solutions to substance abuse.
As we mark the ‘World Drug Day’ Parents, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, must remain vigilant and proactive in guiding their children.
As we mark the ‘World Drug Day’ Parents, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, must remain vigilant and proactive in guiding their children.
Prevention should begin at home through love, effective communication, moral upbringing, and close supervision.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime this year’s focus—established by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)—tackles shifting illicit drug markets (such as synthetic drug manufacturing) while promoting science-based prevention, international cooperation, and community health.
Moreover, Parents should also know their children’s friends, monitor their activities, and be attentive to behavioural changes that may indicate involvement with drugs or other harmful substances.
Apparently, the Islamic Education Trust (IET) has continued to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in creating awareness among young people and their parents about the dangers of drug and substance abuse in several communities in Niger state.
Such collaborations between faith-based organisations, government agencies, and community stakeholders are essential in building a healthy and responsible society for all.
IET have further called upon governments at all levels to give priority to youth development through quality education, skills acquisition programmes, employment opportunities, sports, entrepreneurship support, and other constructive engagements.
An idle youth is more vulnerable to negative influences, while a gainfully engaged youth is more likely to become a productive citizen.
Drug and substance abuse destroys health, families, education, careers, and communities.
Drug and substance abuse destroys health, families, education, careers, and communities.
Let us therefore work together—parents, religious leaders, educators, civil society organisations, government agencies, and the youths themselves—to combat this menace and secure a brighter future for our nation.
Protect our youths today; secure our future tomorrow.
Protect our youths today; secure our future tomorrow.
Global and Local Observances in Nigeria and worldwide, governments and non-profit organizations leverage this day to fight stigmatization and expand prevention efforts.
On the National Initiatives: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and organizations like the MTN Foundation host nationwide advocacy walks, symposia, and campaigns, with a heavy emphasis on the youths.
On the State Campaigns: State governments like Niger state, other relevant organizations like IET Minna and local universities usually host rallies, school-based awareness walks, and launch student-led anti-drug clubs.
Participation is to get involved in the campaign on June 26 as a shared responsibility, Share Facts, Access and share accurate educational resources from the United Nations to counter misinformation among others.
Participation is to get involved in the campaign on June 26 as a shared responsibility, Share Facts, Access and share accurate educational resources from the United Nations to counter misinformation among others.
The general public, parents friends, peer groups, usually does not see those who abuse drugs with integrity, honour, respect due to their abuse of drugs, therefore, the youths especially must do everything possible to avoid drugs due to its negative consequence on the individual and the society.
The advocacy is to promote the “People First” approach to end stigma against individuals with substance use disorders, making it easier for them to seek help.
Engage Locally:
Engage Locally:
Join or support community awareness walks and dialogue sessions organized by civil society organizations in your area.
Hence the need to Say NO to Drug and Substance Abuse and Say YES to Responsible Living in order to have a very responsible, health, productive, respectful, hardworking individuals and better society to leave in across the world.
Hence the need to Say NO to Drug and Substance Abuse and Say YES to Responsible Living in order to have a very responsible, health, productive, respectful, hardworking individuals and better society to leave in across the world.
This public service advocacy is brought to you by the Liaison Department of the Islamic Education Trust (IET), Minna, Niger State, in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Adelowo Oladipo is a Journalist and Public Affairs Analysis in Minna Niger state capital
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