Stakeholders Raise Alarm over Spike in Drugs Consumption, Cultism Amongst Nigerian Youths

Community and security stakeholders in Nigeria have identified increase in the consumption of illicit drugs by the younger population as one major catalysts for the surge in domestic violence and crimes in the country.

To this end they want government at all levels and relevant agencies to step up the campaign against the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and other dangerous substances.

They stated this during the 10th Year Anniversary and award ceremony of National Youth Progressives Forum, AYPF, with the theme “Fighting Cultism, Drug Abuse and Other related Social Vices.” held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State.

The evebt also saw the unveling of a book titled Exposing the dangers of drug abuse,Cultism Alcoholism and other Anti Social Vices , written by Comrade Chika Nwosu.

A report by the United Nations Office Center on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) identify Nigeria as one of the countries with rings for the production, consumption and distribution of narcotics.

This is inspite of measures being taken by the government to curb the menace and reduce the involvement of Nigerians especially it’s youths in activities linked to hard drugs.

Worried by this development, security, youths and Community stakeholders in Anambra State assembled in Awka to brainstorm on possible ways to tackle the menace of dangerous substances and illicit drugs in the society.

In a remark one of the conveners and the President of Anambra Youths Progressive Forum,Comrade Chika Nwosu said
cultism and drug abuse posed serious threats to social stability as they destroy lives, destabilize families, weaken social and cultural institutions, and undermine the moral fabrics of the society.

“Cultism and drug abuse are not just personal problems; they are serious social threats. They destroy lives, destabilize families, weaken institutions, and undermine the moral fabric of our society. Many promising young people have lost their lives, their education, and their future opportunities because they were drawn into these dangerous activities.

Therefore, this conference is not merely a celebration of our anniversary. It is also a call to action, a collective effort to raise awareness, educate young people, and promote responsible choices that will safeguard their future”

He said that the situation demands collective national action to raise awareness, educate young people, and promote responsible choices that would safeguard their future and national security.

Comrade Nwosu
called on the government to collaborate more make with youth organizations, community and religious leaders as well as social groups to build a generation of responsible, visionary and productive young people for the country.
” As part of our contribution to this campaign against social vices, I have authored a book titled “EXPOSING THE DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE, CULTISM AND OTHER ANTI SOCIAL-VICES.” The purpose of this book is to provide practical insights, real-life experiences, and educational guidance that will help young people understand the dangers of these destructive behaviors and make better life decisions”

The Chairman Police Campaign Against Cultism and other vices in Anambra state , Mr Kingsley Ezika
noted that government needs to strengthen the Laws against Cultism and Drug Trafficking and Abuse and ensure their strict enforcement to solve the problem of drug abuse in Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that today, many young minds are being misled into believing that following those values are archaic and retrogressive, hence they follow rosy illusions of cultism, drug courier abuse and other related vices aimed at quick money making. The resultant effects are dire and fatalistic: dialogue and reasoning have been replaced with violence; in the place of peace is fear. This is certainly not sustainable as it is not who we are. The time to act is now as failure to act will lead to regrettable consequences which devastating effect will resonate with generations to come”.

A Representatives of Safenest, Mrs Ruth Okolie observed that accountability, support systems, and integrated treatment approaches were key to breaking the cycle of illicit drugs distribution and consumption in the country.

“Domestic violence can be viewed in different forms, such as intimidation, coercive control, psychological and emotional abuse, stalking and harassment, online or digital abuse. In the vast majority of cases, domestic violence is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men, but in some cases it is perpetrated by women towards men, or between same-sex partners”

The Dean student Affairs, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka,Professor Kingsley Ubaoji who spoke on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Uzochukwu Anyaehie said that the institution has zero tolerance for students indulgence in cultism and drug abuse .

The Chairman Anambra state Post Primary School Service Commission, Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu who was represented by Anulika Adibe called on parents to put more effort in knowing what their children do and the type of friends they keep

She cautioned students not to jeopardise their future by indulging in bad habits.

Other Speakers including the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Comrade Emeka Obi admonished students and other youths to shun violence, Cultism and drug abuse as it does no one any good rather than cutting short their bright dreams.