Boy-child day: NDLEA cautions against illicit drugs, substance abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has cautioned young Nigerians against the use of illicit drugs and substance abuse.

Chidi Ndukwu, Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN) and Assistant Director, Media and Advocacy, made the call at an event to mark the 2024 International Day of the Boy-Child on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) with the theme “Boys Health and Wellbeing.”

Among other activities lined up at the event was an essay-writing competition among some schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on the contributions of the boy child.

The NDLEA boss expressed the commitment and passion of the agency to eliminate the scourge of drug abuse and its consequences on society.

Ndukwu warned that substance abuse has medical, social, economic and psychological consequences on users, family and on society at large.

He said “in our clime, little attention is given to the boy-child who may be a prey and a potential agent for criminality, terrorism, violent extremism, drug abuse and other vises.”

Ndukwu added that young people who frequently use drugs were more likely to face problems such as academic difficulties, health issues, poor relationships with peers, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

In his paper titled “How the Boy-Child Can Contribute to a Better Society”, Ndukwu stressed the need for parents and society at large to instill values of equality, respect, empathy and social responsibility in the male child.

He said that boys could contribute to a better society innumerous ways ,such as; promoting equality, respecting others, advocating for social justice.

Dr Mainasara Umar, a Lawyer and an International Analyst on Democracy and Nation Building, called on the Federal Government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens.

The lawyer also tasked the Federal Government on the need to enhance and protect the fundamental rights of citizens, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Umar said “Section 33 of the 1999 talks about the fundamental rights to life.

“Section 34 of the 1999 constitution talks about freedom to human dignity.

“We want our children to enjoy constitutional rights as provided for by the 1999 constitution, including Section 16 of the 1999 constitution which talks about economic empowerment.

“Therefore, government should do whatever it can to secure the lives of citizens in the interest of future generations.”

Umar also urged government to provide free and quality education, including water and electricity to citizens.