FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat sensitizes youths on drug abuse, trafficking
By Samuel Ruben Musa and Badaru Yakasai
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Drug Abuse Control Committee (DACC) has organised a sensitization campaign for secondary school students on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
The campaign, which was held at the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Gwagwalada, last Thursday in Abuja, was tagged ‘Listen First’.
The Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Malam Adamu Bappah, who spoke on the occasion, advised the students to stay away from drug abuse, adding that indulgence in abuse can jeopardize their future.
Bappah, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Medical and Diagnostics Department, Dr. Egbuson Titilope, said the sensitization programme was designed to raise awareness among the youth who were the target population of persons who abuse drugs.
The Secretary lamented that drug abuse had become so prevalent in society presently because information about the availability and type of drugs, method of ingestion and drug seeking practice were readily available.
He explained that experimentation, peer pressure, the bid to reduce stress, build self esteem, desire to be sociable, drug availability, unemployment, and social economic frustration were among other factors that drive many youths to engage in drugs.
Bappah emphasized that health and social hazards of involvement in drug abuse have enormous consequences on families and society.
Earlier, the Director, Pharmaceutical Services and Chairman, FCT Drug Abuse Campaign Committee, Pharm. Boniface Akwu advised the students to listen attentively to all the lectures and educate their friends and families.
He expressed appreciation to FCTA for approving such an enlightenment and sensitization programme, stressing that the programme would impact positively on the lives of the youth.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Agura of Gwagwalada, who was represented by the District Head of Dahiru, Abubakar Magaji, advised the students to take the lesson learnt seriously as it would go a long way to reduce cases of drug addiction in the society.
In her remarks, the Vice Principal (Administration) of the school, Mrs. Chinwe Oyagiri, thanked the FCTA and Secretary, HHSS, for their tremendous support toward the success of the sensitization lecture.
Oyagiri assured that the teachers would not get tired of sensitizing the students at all times to keep reminding them of what to do.
