The Youth Initiative for Drug Research Information Support and Education and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Connect have praised the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, over his new initiative aimed at addressing and solving the prevalence of drug abuse in many parts of Nigeria.
According to a statement from his media officer, the commendation is contained in separate press statements issued on Saturday by the President of Youth Initiative for Drug Research Information Support and Education, Adeolu Adebiyi, and the Secretary of APC Youth Connect, Farida Odinga Suleiman.
The groups stated that they were delighted that Saraki was leading the drive to address the menace of drug abuse in the country.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria is witnessing a huge increase in the misuse of drugs across all its regions and especially among its youth population,” Adebiyi said.
He added that “It is therefore a delight that His Excellency, the Senate President, Dr. Saraki, is leading the drive to address this issue that is affecting our youthful population, emasculating families and evading our communities.”
The Youth Initiative for Drug Research Information Support and Education also stated that it was also excited about Saraki’s call for the review of all drug related laws, stating that such a review would lead to a more effective framework to tackle the drug menace across Nigeria.
“It is in this light that we believe the call by the Senate President for a review of our drug laws is so timely and very welcomed,” the group said.
“We look forward, that under His leadership, that an effective legal and policy framework will be developed to address and ameliorate the menace of illicit drugs, and the abuse of over the counter and prescription of narcotic drugs in Nigeria,” it added.
In a similar vein, the APC Youth Connect, noted that the typical Nigerian youth’s vulnerability exposed him to various activities that might either benefit him or harm him.
“One of such negative activities,” according to the group, “is the indiscriminate use of drugs which has dangerous effects on him and the society. The use of harmful drugs and their additives for every long term user is a potential addict.
“The result of the observation is that the average harmful drugs consumer becomes addicted. Most times our youth don’t realize that drug abuse has negative and damaging impact on them, like decrease in intelligence, mental disorder, death and many other kinds of diseases,” APC Youth Connect stated.
“We must commend the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for this great move in raising awareness about the menace as drug abuse among our youth is not only harmful but on a geometric increase.
“The future of our dear country depends hugely on the younger generation. We thank God for giving the President of the Senate this great wisdom to bring succour to our youth and change their mindset towards drugs.
It would be recalled that on Friday the Saraki stated that urgent and responsible action needed to be taken to tackle the prevalence of drug use in Northern Nigeria.
In two separate posts on his personal Twitter handle on Friday, Saraki expressed concern and stated that the National Assembly would work to strengthen Nigeria’s laws to battle the widespread misuse of illegal substances as well as engage with stakeholders to tackle the menace.
