The Federal Government on Saturday warned youths against getting involved in illicit drugs, as it is dangerous and inimical to human survival.
The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti at the end of a two-day sensitisation on the elimination of drug and substance abuse for young boys and girls in the southern zone of the country.
Ms Ibrahim, represented by a director in the ministry, Alu Mohammed, said the government would leave no stone unturned in eradicating the menace of hard drugs.
“As we all know, drug and substance abuse remains one of the critical challenges facing young boys and girls in our society, and a number of research studies conducted locally and internationally affirmed the diverse causes of substance abuse,” he said.
The minister said these studies also showed a sharp increase in the number of young boys and girls who were falling prey to substance abuse, as well as an increase in the demand and supply of such drugs in society.
According to her, drug use and abuse have been identified by the government to be influenced by a variety of social factors.
She said some factors include peer grouping, keeping bad company, and lack of genuine and sincere warning signals, among others.
“To this end, it is necessary that we join hands to formulate appropriate measures that will lead to a drug/substance abuse-free society,” he said.
The minister called on the state governments and other relevant stakeholders to join hands with the federal government to end the menace.
Also, the Ekiti state Commissioner for Youth Development, Adeola Adebayo, thanked the federal government for choosing the state as the host of the southern exercise.
Mr Adebayo, represented by a director in the ministry, Odunayo Adesoye, promised that the current administration, under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, would do everything to collaborate with FG to ensure success in eradicating drug abuse. (NAN)
