By Samuel Ogude
Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), The Committee for the Defence Of Human Right ,Delta State Branch, Human Rights Protection Congress, Delta State among other organizations, have said Nigerians especially the youths should shun drug abuse saying, the abuse of drugs are dangerous for humanity. The group stated this today, Monday, when they joined United Nations to celebrate Anti -Drug day which is usually held every year.
Speaking at the programme which its theme is:“ People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention, the Area Commander, Isibor Victor C. said the international day against drugs abuse and illicit trafficking is a worldwide celebration. According to him, the celebration is organized to strengthen actions and co-operation among the people in order to achieve the goals of world- free drugs. He said, world drugs problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide as many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
He said:” The aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy, providing evidence based voluntary services for all, offering alternate to punishment, prioritizing prevention and leading with passion”
According to the Area Commander of NDLEA, the programme is organized to admonish people especially the teaming youths to be best they can while they stay away from drugs as drugs such as Narcotics are death traps to them.
He said:” Drug kills slowly; drugs are weapons of mass destruction and can end your dreams”. He said drug abuse has reached an epidemic stage that about 247 million people now abuse drugs saying, this has raised concern for the right- thinking person adding, with cooperation of all persons, the war against drug abuse can be won.
On his apart, the Delta State Treasurer, Committee For The Defence Of Human Rights,(CDHR)and State Public Relations Officer, Delta State Human Right Protection Congress, Comrade Harrison Itulla said the essences of this campaign is to mark the United Nations international day. According to him, the programme is celebrated all over the world to sensitize the masses about the harmful effects of drugs abuse in the society.
He said, the reason is that, NDLEA being the sole body fighting against drugs abuse and cracking down drugs barons, they have come to realize that as a result of drugs intake, a lot of the youths die untimely as this abuse causes cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, hypertension, stroke among others. According to him, drug abuse has set the pace for social vices in the society among which are armed robbery, kidnapping, assassination among others. He said:” Drugs abuse by youths in the society has made Nigerians record untimely death especially among the youths ”.
Not left out is the Chairman, Board of Director, Human Right Protection Congress, Pastor Comarde Edewor Egedegbe. He said, it is important to join the rest of the world to mark this special day, a drug free day globally. He said, the scourge of drug abuse in this country has turned many into untimely death and has mesmerized a lot of young people who have drugs and by extension have gone for their early graves and disorganized. According to him, the programme is to let people know the danger of drug abuse. According to him, if one abuses drugs, it has a lot of danger for someone hence, they have to go round the Warri City and environs to sensitize the people.
He said, while it is true that drugs are used to cure someone with illness, when it is abused, it becomes inimical to one’s life and therefore charged everyone to shun drugs abuse for them to have healthy life just as it is hoped that with this programme, Nigerians would be free from drug abuse and live a worthy life.
On his Part Senior Activist Kelvin Ejumudo, the Delta State Public Relations Officer, CDHR and State Secretary, Delta State Human Right Protection Congress said they have to collaborate with Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency to fight against crimes such as drugs abuse which has aided criminality in the society. Giving an example, there are mothers who also abuse these drugs by taking them without doctors’ prescription saying, if these trends are not checked, Nigerians are heading for doom.
The programme which the saw the organizers in procession in the course of sensitization starting from NDLEA’s Office by Deco Road through the major streets in Warri in Warri South Local Government Area, carrying placard with the inspirations:” Drugs Kill, “Say No To Tramadol”, “Say No To Codeine “, “No Drug Abuse” ,”Yes To Life” , “Say No To Drugs”, among others was rounded off with the same premises amidst cheers.