NGO, NDLEA Sensitise Secondary School Students On Drug Abuse

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Keep it One Hundred Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Wednesday sensitised some secondary school students on the dangers of drug abuse.

The sensitisation programme took place at Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Juliana Anake-Ugwu, NDLEA Principal Staff Officer, Treatment and Rehabilitation, said that the programme was aimed at curbing drug abuse in schools.

Anake-Ugwu said the prevalence of drug addiction could be as a result of the immediate environment or family upbringing.

“Our environment and the family we come from determine a lot,” she said.

According to her, NDLEA is fighting the war against drug abuse from two perspectives of supply reduction, dealing with arrest and prosecution, as well as drug demand reduction.

“In Economics, they say the lower the demand, the lower the supply, so we are tackling it from this angle so that people can be aware.

“The way to curb illicit drug is by sensitisation, letting them know, especially at this stage because early use of drugs could hinder the way the brain develops.

“If the brain does not develop properly, it will hinder someone’s productivity and output in life.

“So, we let them know at this young age that experimenting with illicit substance is a no,” she said.

Anake-Ugwu advised pupils and parents to seek professional help for any young child experimenting with illegal substances.

She added that the NDLEA has its counselling and rehabilitation centres across the state.

“When a child is being taken to any of our centres, we profile them. Also, there are other government facilities that take care of a child’s mental health, treatment and counselling,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder of the NGO, Mr Victor Enyeazu, said that the organisation would work more with the NDLEA to sensitise other schools across the state. 

Source: NAN