Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged students in Oyo State to steer clear of alcohol and substance abuse, warning of their harmful effects on health and development.
During the inauguration of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) at Ajibode High School, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, expressed concern over the widespread use of alcohol and substance abuse among adolescents.
“These are very dangerous for adolescents like you, and you must learn to resist the urge to engage in drinking alcohol. Once you start, you may not be able to stop,” Adeyeye warned.
Adeyeye emphasized that the negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include drug dependence, poor judgment, sexual activity, mental health disorders, changes in school performance, and others.
She also highlighted the health consequences of drug abuse, including drug addiction, serious impairment, illness, and death.
“It is high time you as young Nigerians realised that this epidemic of drug, including alcohol abuse is destroying families, the workforce, and destabilizing our economy,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC Director-General called on the students to be agents of change by propagating the right virtues that orientate through the activities of NCSC.
“NAFDAC’s mission is to mould a future generation that is not only empowered to be upright but demand uprightness from others. The reality is that the fight against drug abuse is a fight for the future of Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
Other officials, including Mrs. Ayombo Funmi Ogunyemi and Mr. Samuel Adeyemi, also urged the students to shun drug abuse and peer pressure, and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in curbing substance abuse.
