YOUTHS MOST VULNERABLE TO DRUG ABUSE - YADA

Youths against Drug Abuse (YADA), a non-governmental organization has
identified youth as the most vulnerable to illicit drug addiction and
trafficking in the country.

The lead coordinator of YADA, Dr. Charles Ejiofor, said this during
the United Nation's day against drug abuse and illicit drug
trafficking with theme, "Drugs are not child's play" held at the
British Council, Kano.

Dr. Charles observed that children between the ages of 4 to 10 should
not be left aside in the war against drug abuse as they can be coerced
into the menace through their addicted parents. The lead coordinator
however, opined that the fight against the menace among youth is an
uphill task only if the sectors responsible for combating the abuse
would work tirelessly and parents should be supportive in the aspect
of teaching their wards good moral values that would take them into
adulthood.

He said the society also has a responsibility in shielding children
and youth from the problem of drug addict ion through massive
campaigns in schools, worship areas, hospitals and through
entertainments. He identified the menace as a factor hindering the
progress of any society through related vices such as insecurity,
poverty and joblessness which he also said results in the
underdevelopment of the society.

Several school children from various schools in the state participated
in the programme while lectures, play-lets by the students, exhibition
and interactive session were held to commemorate the day.