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The rate of drug abuse and substance dependence is becoming increasingly prevalent among the Nigerian youths of this generation.
Seeing the social media last week in the frenzy of a viral video of a new illicit drug known on the streets as “Colorado” is utterly heart-rending and regrettable.
In recent times, Nigeria has been awash with several cases of drug abuse and misuse as well as mental health issues especially suicide. How best can the government address this menace?
Kudos however should be accorded the Nigeria Senate in its effort on two draft bills; a nation drug control Bill and a mental health Bill to deal decisively with the menace of drug abuse and misuse.
Meanwhile the Federal Government through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies must also strengthen regulatory procedures modulating the endeavours of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The NAFDAC mandate dictates it must ensure circulation of safe drugs, water and other regulated products.
How do NAFDAC, NDLEA and Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN) cope with their respective mandates which normally should be restricted to less than 6,000 pharmaceutical premises and 20,000 Medicine vendors it field experiences confirm that almost two million unregistered premises exist today in our country?
In effect if Nigerian government legislates on this menace without redressing the fundamental dysfunctions in the distribution channels, it might just be another waste of time, resources and specialized personnel.
At a time like this, all hands must be on deck to stem the tide of this disturbing menace and rescue our nation from her precarious moment. Therefore parents, guardians, teachers, care givers, religious bodies, NGOs, Ministry of Information, National Orientation Agency and other stakeholders must be actively and genuinely involved in winning the war against drug abuse.
This call on all relevant stakeholders is important because the country is not assessed by assets or possessions but by the quality of investment in human capital development, particularly the youth. Youth in any country embody the future of that country. Youth are not only the frontrunners of tomorrow but also the blessing of today.
The youth have a bubbling enthusiasm which if regulated and utilized the right way can lead a nation to the zenith. Therefore, here lies the chief role of a nation and its government in guiding the youth to the correct way of living and in utilizing their vivacious energy and desire for the furtherance of the nation. The proper education system, moral education, and good political situation are a prerequisite to accomplishing it. This can surely ensure rapid national development.
Youth have always played key roles in all of the activities in the world, be it research, art/craft, politics, construction, innovation, invention; you name it and youth has, is and will have been associated. The appetite, yearning, motivation, determination and high spirit of the youth can make all the difference in building a great, productive and worthwhile nation in present time and also the future. May God bless and prosper Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ajibulu is an infoprenueur, online publisher, and a trade unionist (emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com)
