No fewer than eleven million cannabis otherwise known as Hemp (Igbo) users are still in Nigeria despite the current aggressive war against the consumption if same,the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said
Barrister Callys Alumona, Commander of Narcotics, State Commander, NDLEA, Lagos State Command, who disclosed in Lagos during the NDLEA celebrity drug-free day,lamented that recent report had shown so far, an increase in drug abuse.
The program was in commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022.
He was represented at the event by DCN Eziaghighala Chinyerem, Deputy State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, NDLEA, Lagos.
He said: ”Drug abuse and illegal trafficking is a global menace that can be classified as a pandemic, especially in Nigeria. The effect cuts across all sectors and classes of people in the society. It affects the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the educated and the illiterates”
He said that the prevalence of drug use among students in the tertiary institutions is on alarming increase,adding that it became more worrisome that the ages of these children- user have come down to 10.
He advocated the need for national emergency to tackle the menace.
“All hands must be on deck in order to arrest the escalating trend. All stakeholders, must get involved in this war. Entertainers and other celebrities are part of the major stakeholders. This is because, they are social influencers. Especially the young ones , who are their highest fans.Patriotic entertainers and social influencers must be mindful of what they project in the social media and the society at large.”
“It is imperative of you to show good example in your words, actions, dress sense and every thing you do to ensure what you dish out does not influence negatively.”
Besides,Alabi Abiodun, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, called for a collective war against abuse and illicit drug peddling.
He appealed to those in the entertainment industry to be wary of what they dished out to members of the public , saying that the youth sees them as their role models.
