The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said no fewer than 14 million Nigerians are estimated to have been involved and addicted to the consumption of harmful drugs.
The Deputy Commander, Ondo State Command, NDLEA, Yetunde Joyifous, revealed it during a drug abuse awareness program organised by Oijefon Youth for secondary schools in the Ile Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area of the state this Wednesday.
Joyifous said engaging all stakeholders in the community to partner with the authorities in the fight against drug abuse is the only way to curb it.
She highlighted that younger people, especially those at the secondary school level, are the most vulnerable victims of the drug abuse, adding that the drugs they consume are chemical substances that can change the minds of users negatively.
The President of Oijefon Youth Council, Adedokun Adeyonu, in his welcome address, said the council organised the sensitisation program to discourage youths from drug abuse.
Adeyonu explained that many people use drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, or to overcome problems in their lives, thinking that it is the only solution.
He said influences from watching movies or listening to music and peer groups are factors that push youths into drug abuse.
He urged members of the society to help in creating a prosperous life for the younger generation.