UNODC DONATES REHABILITATION MATERIALS FOR DRUG ADDICTS

Lagos -- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has begun
distribution of materials for the training and rehabilitation of drug
addicts in Nigeria.

UNODC, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
(NDLEA), has already identified 14 treatment and rehabilitation centres
that will benefit from the scheme.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital,
Kaduna, recently, UNODC representative in Nigeria, Mr. Paul Salay, said a
major objective of the UNODC intervention was to accelerate the social
reintegration of the former drug addicts to ensure that they contribute
positively to their families and communities.

In Salay's words: "The main objective of the project is to increase
awareness about the treatment and rehabilitation of facilities available to
persons with drug related problems and also strengthen the facilities
through the supply of equipment and training of the care providers.

"This donation of equipment takes place in the context of a major project
aimed at building the capacity of treatment and rehabilitation centres
located in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, to empower drug addicts
with skills,which will enable them achieve economic independence through
income-generating activities.

"The project is therefore contributing to the reduction of poverty in the
selected areas, poverty remains the root cause for several deviant
behaviours, such as drug abuse and crime, which are increasingly becoming
major obstacles to development."

Some of the equipment donated include weaving and footmat making frames,
sewing and hairdressing materials as well as hospital beds and mattresses',
among others.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the medical director of the hospital, Dr.
G.T. Suleiman, regretted that the age group of 10-29 years remain the most
vulnerable to drug abuse in the country.

According to him: "There is increasing use of organic solvents (adhesives
and flue) by street children, especially in urban cities.