The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched an initiative to combat drug abuse among Nigerian youths by inaugurating the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) at Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
This move is part of its “Catch Them Young” programme, aimed at fostering drug awareness and resistance among students.
Speaking at the event, on Friday, Director General, NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Paul Kamai, said that the growing threat of drug abuse among teenagers, citing alarming statistics. “About 14.4% of Nigerians—approximately 14.3 million people—are affected by drug abuse. This is a crisis we must tackle urgently,” she stated.
The principal of the school, Hajiya Ibrahim Fadilah, expressed optimism about the programme’s impact, noting its potential to empower students as advocates. “This initiative will transform our students into ambassadors who will spread awareness not just in the school but also in the surrounding community,” she said.
Students, too, embraced the campaign with enthusiasm. The Head Boy, Victor Eugene pledged to lead the charge against drug abuse among his peers, saying, “We are like Junior NAFDAC now, and we will use this knowledge to make a difference.” Social Prefect Adah Victory added, “I plan to extend this campaign to other schools through inter-school activities. Together, we can fight this menace.”
NAFDAC has called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to join hands in addressing the drug abuse epidemic, stressing the collective responsibility of protecting Nigeria’s future.
