FG laments rate of drug abuse, pushes for immediate response
By Dickson Omobola
Federal Government has condemned the upsurge in substance abuse among Nigerian youths, and called for a crucial response to the scourge.
It said reports have shown that about 14.4 per cent of Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 have used psychoactive substances, with 10.6 million individuals currently suffering from drug abuse.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, however, expressed optimism that with the Renewed Hope Resilience Initiative, the scourge would be tackled.
He spoke at the grand opening of a Renewed Hope Resilience Initiative organised by the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in collaboration with Kudirat Abiola Sabon Gari Peace Foundation, held in Abuja.
The Vice President, represented by Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice-President, Alhaji Aliyu Moddibo, said the initiative was aimed to rehabilitate young Nigerians who have become addicts.
Shettima insisted that it was not just an investment in individual lives but a commitment to transforming them from a state of vulnerability into empowered, productive members of society.
He said: “For too long, our youth have been thwarted in their quest to reach their full potential by societal barriers such as unemployment, lack of skills, and, tragically, drug addiction. This is particularly alarming given that our nation’s median age is just 17. It is our collective duty to provide them with the skills, opportunities, and support necessary for their success. The NDLEA Renewed Hope Resilience Initiative represents a significant step towards achieving this vision.
“This project transcends mere skills training; it addresses a pressing national security concern. Many of our youths are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organisations, including those involved in terrorism and banditry. These groups exploit the disenfranchised, particularly those struggling with addiction. By offering vocational training and support, we aim to break this cycle of addiction and crime, reducing their susceptibility to criminal recruitment and providing them with a path to a secure and prosperous future.
“The Renewed Hope Resilience Initiative aligns perfectly with the President’s Renewed Hope Manifesto, which emphasises a holistic approach to national security, including the rehabilitation and empowerment of our youth. By transforming vulnerable individuals into skilled, employable members of society, we are directly contributing to national security and fostering peace.”
