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WDD: VGADA, NDLEA enlighten youth on dangers of drug abuse

Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN) An NGO, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse Abuse (VGADA) detox centre has said that there was need to secure the future of Nigeria by addressing decisively the pervasive problem of drug abuse.

The Executive Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza said this during the National Youth Conference in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking on Friday in Abuja.

Omeiza said that the issue of drug abuse was presently threatening to destroy the future of the youths which he described as leaders of tomorrow.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is tagged “The Youth, Drugs, Mental Health and Nigeria’s Future.

Omeiza, who doubled as the Convener said that the subject to be addressed was one that had negatively impacted many households in Nigeria.

According to him, with great sadness, while working under the auspices of my organisation, I have witnessed firsthand the torment our youth who suffer from drug abuse go through.

He said “Nigerian Youths are a formidable and productive force to be reckoned with, however, drug abuse has begun to take its toll on the productivity of a reasonable percentage of our youth.

“The Nigerian population is made up of about 70 per cent of youths which is about 151 million, reportedly the highest population of youths in the world.

“Unfortunately, over 10 per cent of this youth population takes hard drugs and suffers from substance use disorders.

“For this country to thrive, the youth who are the bedrock need to be healthy and sane, but substance abuse is leaving no stone unturned as it has continued to batter the mental health of a lot of our youths.

“We need to secure the future of Nigeria by addressing decisively this pervasive problem of drug abuse which is presently threatening to destroy the future of the Leaders of tomorrow.

“I was once a drug user who would have amounted to nothing, but today, I am able to make some reasonable impact because I received intervention of some sorts, “he said.

Omeiza said that there were a lot of youths out there, who wanted to be useful and whose intellectual property if harnessed properly, would impact the country positively.

“They are however unable to contribute their quota, because they are helpless and unable to withstand the influence of substance abuse.

“Today, we have a gathering of well meaning government officials and heads of agencies, seasoned health experts, activists among others.

“It is my hope that our robust discourse here today would illuminate us on the gravity of the problem we have at hand, and help us churn out reasonable and lasting solutions to this menace, “he said.

Speaking, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa said that the concept of drug abuse was not new nor esoteric.

Marwa, who was represented by the NDLEA, Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi said that Drug use was common among those who were between the ages of 25 and 39 years.

He said that the fuller picture of the fact was that 14. 3 million of the Nigeria population was hooked on drugs with youth in the majority, in the region of at least eight million.

He said that the figure might seem inconsequential in the light of the humongous population of over 206 million.

He added “the gravity of it would not be lost on Nigeria when we come to think of it that about 15 or more African countries do not have up to eight million population.

According to him, These are the likes of Togo, Mauritania, Republic of Congo, Mauritius, Libya and Liberia to mention a few.

“And also about 28 European countries do not have eight million population. And here we are, we have about that number of youths abusing drugs in our own country.

“However, NDLEA is working hard to make care, treatment and rehabilitation available and accessible to young people, “he said.

In her remarks, Ms Titilope Gbadamosi, Senior Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Delivering and Monitoring) said that the issue of youth and drugs was one thing that would continue to reinforce in the submission about youth initiatives.

Gbadamosi however, commended the President Bola Tinubu’s administration saying that “what the presidency and even the government of Nigeria is doing was a whole lot.

“ The Ministry of Youth Development is thriving heavily on collaboration and we are doing everything we can to make sure that the menace of drug abuse is going to an all time low in Nigeria.

“And this we are not doing all alone by ourselves. I mentioned earlier that we have a good relationship with the United Nations Office for Drug and Crime(UNODC).

“And we have quite a number of initiatives that we are working on with them, which we’ll be announcing to you very soon. Our strength of collaborating is also what we have come here to do today, “she said.

Other Stakeholders present during the conference, enlightened youths on the dangers of drug abuse, illicit substance use and illicit trafficking(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Illicit drugs enabling crime, criminality in Nigeria,   says  Marwa

Drugs
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 29, 2024(NAN) Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said that illicit drugs and substances abuse was enabling crimes and criminality across the country.

Marwa said this in his presentation during a National Youth Conference organised by the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is tagged “The Youths, Drugs, Mental Health and Nigeria’s Future.

Marwa said that when youths indulged in drug abuse, the tendency for them to develop anti-social behaviour was high.

This, he said was had in part fueled the insecurity problem the country have on its hands today.

“I am one of the believers in the theory of crime that views the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances as enablers of crime and criminality.

“And in Nigeria of today, we have empirical and circumstantial evidence to back this theory.

“For example, the South East, known for relative calm, has in the past three years, been caught in a vortex of violence.

“The factors responsible for the cycle of violence being perpetrated by young people are many and varied but also do not preclude drug abuse, especially methamphetamine, popularly known as Mmkpuru Mmiri.

“I have heard the arguments time and again, that some young people get creative or inspiration when they smoke cannabis.

“That is balderdash. Did they also tell you that many also run mad or lose their sense of reasoning after smoking cannabis?,”he said.

Marwa said that the best option in any society’s drug control effort was still prevention adding that the more young people that were successfully treated, the lesser the demand for illicit substances by people from this social group.

He said “For the young people listening to me this morning, my appeal to you is simple. Youth is an important period in the human life cycle, a make or mar period.

According to him, It could become a period of lost opportunities due to the use of illicit drugs. And it is a tragedy for any country whose youthful population is given to drug abuse.

“The loss in economic term is often unquantifiable, because, youth who are supposed to be the engine room of the economy and the driver of a country’s GDP, becomes less productive.

“And also more of a burden when the drug culture thrives in society.

“I am sure some of you are familiar with the dire warning regarding the use of tobacco that “smokers are liable to die young.”

“That warning applies also to the abuse of anby illicit substance or any misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.

“Those who abuse drugs or illicit substances are likely to die young and are likely to live a health impaired life in the later years of their lives,”he said.

Marwa said that there were many compelling reasons for any youth not to be caught in the vortex of drug abuse.

“But above all, be reminded that the consequence is not limited to only you, the abuser of the illicit drug, but your family will also be affected, as well as your community and country,”he said.

Earlier, the Convener of GVADA, Dr Hope Omeiza said that the aim of the conference was to sensise all stakeholders for more concerted efforts moving forward in the campaign against drug abuse.

Omeiza, who doubled as the Managing Director, VGADA detox centre said that it also aims at creating avenues for treatment and prevention of those who already suffered drug abuse.

This, he said included those who might be intending going into Drug abuse

“The call for action is calling on all stakeholders which is why here represented are SSA to the President, SA to the President, head of government agencies, MDAs, here to put their thought together

“They need to make a declaration for their support followed up with necessary action for implementation of all that will be said here today.

“As youths, Let us stay away from drug, Drug abuse is not Steeze.

“There are alternatives to maintaining confidence, to getting pleasures, to increasing pleasures and to not be in pain, not drug. It’s not worth the risk, “he said.

Highpoints of event were panel discussions on Effects of drug abuse on Nigerian youths, and way outs and presentations of awards in recognition of those who have contributed in curbing drug abuse in Nigeria.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Sallah: FRSC recorded 51% reduction in accidents nationwide, says Corps Marshal

Reduction
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 28, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday says there was a 51 per cent reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the 2024 Eid-el Kabir special patroloperations when compared to the same period in 2023 nationwide.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed said this during a press briefing on the outcome of the special patrol operations between Friday June 14 and Sunday June 23 in Abuja.

Mohammed said that the Corps had earlier galvanised and engaged all stakeholders in the road transportation sector to ensure that their members drove in strict compliance with established laws.

This, he said could be seen in the series of meetings held with National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), NUPENG-PTD, NARTO, RTEAN, ACOMORON among others to curtail the incessant rate of crashes.

He said that it had become very imperative because the Corps grasped that everybody was a critical stakeholder and also realised that the Corps were already running out of excuses.

He added that it was important for the Corps to commit to the very simple, proactive means that would guarantee hope instead of apprehension in the use of the roads.

According to him, the Corps took full advantage of the opportunity to deliver reduction of fatalities in our country by enforcing laws and educating commuters on safety consciousness.

“This is because we are aware that if we fail on our part, posterity will not pardon our failure to manage the challenges as the scars of our irresponsibility will be deafening.

“Interestingly, during the Eid-el Kabir special patrol, the Corps recorded 51 per cent reduction in RTCs, 38 per cent reduction in number of people involved, and 39 per cent reduction in number of people killed.

“Also, while 35 per cent decrease was recorded in number of people injured, the Corps achieved 41 per cent reduction in number of people rescued without injuries.

“For the sake of clarity, let me provide you with clearer picture in terms of the basic data for the Sallah operations.

According to him, in 2023, the Corps recorded 88 RTCs, this number was reduced in 2024 to 43 representing 51 per cent reduction.

“ In the same vein, in 2023, a total of 522 people were involved in the aforementioned crashes, while 322 got involved in 2024 representing 38 per cent reduction, “he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammed said that a total of 211 people were rescued with injuries in 2023, adding that the figure was against 137 recorded in 2024 representing 35 per cent decrease.

The FRSC boss said that in 2023, 273 victims were rescued without injuries saying that the figure reduced to 162 in 2024 representing 41 per cent reduction.

“To this end, I feel delighted to see that the Corps has made tremendous progress in the actualisation of our corporate mandate.

“However, even though reasonable progress has been recorded in crash reduction in Nigeria, it is still unacceptable, the number of deaths and injuries we recorded during our last outing.

“This is why the Corps is unrelenting in effecting measures that would sternly stem crash and fatality rate in Nigeria, hence the imperatives of doubling our efforts in our future engagements,”he said.

ICA/BEKl/SH

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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

NAF trains 271 specialists,  prioritises capacity building – CAS

Graduation
By Mohammed Tijjani
Kaduna, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, graduated 271 of it’s personnel trained in different specialties to enhance its operational capability.

In a remark at the ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that NAF would continue to place high premium on capacity building and development of personnel for effective and8 imperatives.

Abubakar described the graduation as a milestone not only in the history of both training institutions but also in the careers of the graduating officers.

According to him, the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) has continued to provide training in human resource management and other administration-related specialties, in line with global best practices for enhanced professionalism of NAF personnel.

“Similarly, the NAFSMAM has provided skilled medical professionals for effective healthcare delivery in support of NAF objectives,” he said.

Abubakar also said that the two  training institutions have continued to live up to their mandates and urged them to keep up the good work they were doing.

The Air Chief said that NAF, under his leadership, is committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development which, he said, was one of the key enablers of his command’s philosophy.

“It thus gladdens my heart that the NAFIAM is working towards becoming an accredited diploma-awarding institution.

“I am aware that the institute is in top gear to affiliate with Lagos State University and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

“This move will help upgrade the institute and give it the recognition it deserves,” Abubakar said.

He, therefore, advised the Commandant of NAFIAM not to relent in his pursuit to affiliate the institute with the civil tertiary institutions.

He further said that NAF Headquarters was reviewing the modalities for the commencement of Advanced Personnel and Administrative Management Officers’ Course.

“This novel initiative will enable the institute to enhance the skill sets of senior officers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle complex administrative tasks and personnel management responsibilities, effectively.

Also, he described the Basic Medical Course as being the first of its kind in NAF.

“I would, therefore, like to commend the Chief of Medical Services and entire Medical Services Branch for this remarkable achievement.

“I would also like to commend the NAFSMAM for the successful accreditation of Pharmacy Technicians Course by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.

“The success of the accreditation has paved the way for the commencement of a three-year professional diploma course in the next academic session,” Abubakar said.

He disclosed that notable accomplishments of the NAFSMAM prompted NAF authorities to approve the German Technical Advisory Group’s proposal to incorporate the Air Mobile First Aid Unit as a department within the school, thereby enhancing its training capabilities.

“You must show commendable level of professionalism in discharging your assigned tasks, remember that your core duty is to protect the territorial integrity of this great nation.

“I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar said.

Accordingly, the NAF  has equally re-strategised for utmost utilisation of all equipment and resources provided by the government in order to continually attain the NAF’s establishment roles and functions.

“Do not forget that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force.

“You must, therefore, uphold the high standards of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for,” Abubakar said.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support to NAF.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the graduands were from NAFIAM and NAFSMAM.

NAN also reports that 248 graduated from NAFIAM and 23 from NAFSMAM.

Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students, who distinguished themselves during their studies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TJ/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah