Omanews
A stakeholders’ summit on drug abuse was held at Ajaka in Igala Mela-Odolu Local Government Area, Kogi State at the weekend, with experts and community leaders converging to discuss strategies to combat the menace.
The summit, organized by “IYRA” in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Kogi State on War Against Drug Abuse, focused on community-based interventions to tackle drug abuse among youths.
The presenter, Com. (Dr.) Nuhu Solomon Anyegwu, defined drug abuse as the excessive use of illegal drugs or the use of drugs without prescriptions for reasons different from why the drugs were manufactured.
He identified stimulants, depressants, and narcotics as the three categories of commonly abused drugs.
Com. Anyegwu highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse on youths, including low cognitive abilities, mental illnesses, increased crime rates, and premature deaths.
According to the guest speaker, drug abuse affects not only the individual but also the community, leading to a lack of peace, rest, and joy.
The presenter proposed several community-based solutions to tackle drug abuse, including intensive health education, parental guidance and counseling, proper enforcement of existing laws, and inclusion of drug use education in school curricula.
He also suggested establishing guidance and counseling centers in communities and mobilizing youths to attend drug rehabilitation centers.
Com. Anyegwu who is a former Provost College of Health Sciences Idah emphasized the importance of job creation in reducing drug abuse among youths.
He urged the government to implement policies and programs that create job opportunities for youths, thereby pulling them away from drug abuse-related activities.
The presenter called on security agents to work with the community to solve the problem of illicit drug use.
He stressed that a collective effort is needed to tackle the menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Com. Anyegwu noted that the implementation of community-based intervention solutions is crucial to enjoying peace, progress, and prosperity in the community, urging stakeholders to work together to address the problem of drug abuse.
The summit ended with a call to action, urging stakeholders to implement the proposed community-based solutions to tackle drug abuse.
The participants resolved to work together to address the problem and ensure a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community for all.
Edited by Ali Atabor, Editor Omanews
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