NACOMYO, COFP Engage Stakeholders to Combat Drug Abuse
The National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation (NACOMYO) and the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) have tasked stakeholders with combating drug abuse.
The organisations made the call at a one-day workshop on the campaign against drug addiction and other substance abuse held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The Chairman of the event, Dr. (Mrs) Folukemi Aladenola, Ph.D., FPSN, spoke about the consequences of drug addiction on individuals, families, and society at large.
Dr. Aladenola, who is the Permanent Secretary of SITA, noted that substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, and over-the-counter medications, can lead to severe health complications such as liver damage, neurological issues, mental health disorders, and even death.
Dr. Aladenola called for early intervention, education, and awareness to prevent addiction from taking root, advising all sectors of society, including the government, schools, religious organisations, as well as the media, to work together in creating environments that offer support and resources to combat substance abuse.
The Ondo State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who was represented by the Deputy State Commander of the Agency, Mrs. Yetunde Jeyifous, called for community engagement, empowerment for youths, and regular engagement of the people on the dangers of substance abuse.
The commandant, who was the Guest speaker at the event, called for the support and cooperation of every Nigerian to combat this issue in society and not leave it solely to the NDLEA.
Representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Solomon Arowosafe, assured that the Christian community would continue to engage its youths through their platforms and congregations on the dangers of drug abuse.
The Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Sheik Dr. Imam AbdulGakeem Yayi Akorede, accused the government of not doing enough, which has led to the current challenges in the country. He stated that more stringent measures should be implemented and called for policies to be formulated with strict enforcement, unlike the current situation where some influential individuals demand the release of apprehended suspects instead of letting them face the full force of the law.
He also urged the government to be more proactive so that the efforts of stakeholders could be seen and appreciated.
Representing the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), Alhaji Aliu Yekini spoke about the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence through understanding and dialogue. Yekini emphasised that peacebuilding is not only the responsibility of the government but also of every individual, including religious and community leaders.
The State Coordinator of NACOMYO, Engr. Ogunmola Mohammed, in his welcome address, emphasised that stakeholders have a crucial role to play in combating drug addiction, stressing the importance of collective efforts in the fight against substance abuse.
In an interview, the State Chairman of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Waheed Fadola, described the event as educational and stated that it should cut across all youths, regardless of their religion. Appreciating the organisers, he charged people to use prescribed medication only in the correct dosage and to adhere strictly to the directives of their healthcare providers.
