Government at all tiers as well as private organisations have been called to pay more attention to the general well being and empowerment of young people, to steer them away from drug abuse and its negative impacts.
The Deputy Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Chief Lukmon Atobatele made the call in Abeokuta, the state capital during an empowerment programme he organized to mark this year’s international youth Day.
,Atobatele said focus on youth development and empowerment is the only way by which the youths who are the nation’s labour force can be better utilised for the good of the Country.
He said the empowerment programme was to support and encourage the youth in his constituency.
Speaking on the topic, “Drug menace and its effects on Nigerian Youth,” Chief Atobatele, decried the alarming rate at which youths engage in drug abuse saying, “the effects and menace of drugs are far-reaching, as it affects both physical and mental health.”
According to him, ” the drug menace refers to the widespread availability, distribution and abuse of substances such as illegal drugs, prescription medication and alcohol among young people.”
The Deputy Minority Leader said, “such substance abuse can lead to organ damage, impaired immune system, death, mental health, educational setbacks, financial instability, relationship strain, other risky behaviours and criminal involvement among others”.
Chief Atobatele also advised government to prioritise the empowerment and development of Nigerian youths by formulating programmes and policies that would both encourage and benefit them.
A key note address was later delivered by Hon. Nurudeen Adekambi, who advised youths to engage in positive activities and not be dettered by the prevailing economic situations.
