By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
In collaboration with National Association of Nigeria Drugs Monitoring (NANDRUM), the Federal lawmakers in the National Assembly has charged parents to join in the war against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
This call came from its joint committee on Drugs and Narcotics during one day sensitization programme organised in collaboration with NANDRUM by the federal lawmakers Thursday.
In her welcome address, titled: Parents Inclusion in the Fight against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours, Key to a Great National Ambassador of NANDRUM, Dr Christabel Regan Okoye, who doubles as the Executive Secretary, Joint Committee on Drug and Narcotics noted with concern that in recent times, drug has become integral part of the country’s popular culture, especially in movies and music, observing that, while Hollywood may display drug use as a fashionable and music and Lyrics may sometimes glorify them, she said that the reality of drug abuse is far beyond imagination.
This annual beneficial program, she went on was conceived to give assistance to upcoming youths and teenagers, just as she stated that children needs to be trained from home, as homes is a start point in combating drug abuse and reckless behaviors. According to her, parents should as a matter of fact, start the talks and discussions from their homes, inform them early in life; let them understand the danger of abusing drug, which should be constant.
Drug abuse, according to her has brought shame to Nigerian nation, among the committee of Nations, adding that drug abuse is a cankerworm and has destroyed millions of children, youths and adults. Stating that ignorance has never been an excuse, Mrs Okoye therefore stated that drug addicts make up so many numbers in correctional centers, police cells and psychiatric homes.
“The way out of all these, is sensitization, giving the youth skills, jobs and encouraging them until they become stable in life. Drug abuse could affect anybody and when a kidnapper, armed robber or bandit catches up with you or your children, you will begin to sing a different song. Let us fight this battle from our homes.
“To our communities and to our local churches, I sincerely solicit for your support in any way you can as a good citizen of Nigeria,” she stated, while informing that NANDRUM is saddled with the responsibility of disseminating this information, sensitizing the general public and reporting back to the committees,” she stated.
In his speech Senate President Godswill Akpabio said involvement of parents in the fight is very necessary and critical. Represented by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru, Akpabio added that the epidemic of drug abuse and trafficking, should be tackled right from the home fronts led by parents.
“Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse is taking the battle to the basis and tackling the menace right from the home front since those indulging in it, come from different homes before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers. The theme of today’s sensitization programme on the dangers of drugs abuse, is very apt and very necessary for effective fight against the menace of drug abuse .
“The fight against drugs abuse is indeed , a fight for our posterity requiring parents to be on the front lines being the guiding force in their Children’s lives. I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination sice the greatest gift any parent can give to Children is not riches but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity and the gift of courage. Let us equip our children with the required tools they need to navigate life ‘s challenges without falling victim to the perils of drug abuse,” he said.
In his remarks, on behalf of Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics , Mallam Isa Garba, said the sensitization programme was collaboratively organized to step up the fight against drug abuse .