NDLEA ALERTS YOUTHS ON DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE

Peer group influence, lack of parental control, child abuse,
psychological and as well as initiation, truancy, affluence and access
to drugs have been described as factor that influence drug abuse among
youths.

The Cross River State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA), Mr Rowland Olusegun, dropped the hint in Calabar,
Monday, while presenting a key note address at this year's United
Nations International Day Celebration against drug abuse and illicit
drug trafficking.

Mr Olusegun contended that Nigeria, by dint of her strategic location
was noted as major transit point that facilitates the movement of hard
drugs to Europe and America, but regretted that the reverse was the
case today as the consumption of narcotic has permeated into every
facet of our society.

"It has spread into all social spheres of life in our society of which
the youths are no exception. In the secondary and primary school
levels including tertiary institutions, the story echoes a familiar
chorus," Mr Olusegun explained.

He said the NDLEA has succeeded in prosecuting and jailing drug
offenders, noting that in virtually all institutions of learning in
the country, the agency has established drug free clubs, workshops and
enlightenment programmes to educate the youths.

In her brief remarks at the occasion, the chairman of the Post Primary
Schools Management Board in Cross River, Mrs Kalerine Wayo commended
the NDLEA for its fight against drug trafficking, pointing out the
dangers of drug abuse to include bad company, drop out from school,
disrespect and armed robbery.

Also speaking, the Head of NAFADC in Cross River, described drug
trafficking as an evil which our children must be made to see and
understand as such, stressing "every hand must be on deck, government
at all levels, schools must preach against this canker worm which has
eaten deep into the marrow of the society".

Our correspondent reports that this year campaign theme was "Children
and drugs with the slogan, drugs are not child's play"