Eid-el-Fitr: VGADA warns Nigerian youths against drug abuse

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has cautioned Nigerian youths to desist from substance abuse and involvement in illicit drugs before, during and after the Eid-el-fitri celebration.

The Executive Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza, said this in an interview with the News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Omeiza, who described the Eid-el-fitr celebration as a special day for Muslims all over the world after many days of fasting, said to desist from drug abuse would ensure a greater and better future

He said that the advice had become necessary due to the psychological damage cause by illicit drugs to users and the society at large

The Director expressed worry over the abuse of prohibited substances and drugs among Nigerian youths, which he said, could be found in every nook and cranny of the society.

Omeiza listed some of the substances and drugs abused by people to include nail polish, lizard faeces, paints, and added that some people also mixed Lacasera and Tom-Tom sweet, among others.

According to him, many persons have lost their destiny and purpose to illicit drug use, but drug addiction has never favoured anyone.

“The youths should strive to seek other meaningful and profitable enterprises. Illicit drugs are no solution to problems.

“Don’t be too excited this period of celebration and do drugs. Drugs kill faster, so stay away from illicit drugs and substances,“ he said.

The NGO boss said that the organisation would continue to adopt various strategies to ensure the growth and advancement of youths were necessary.

Omeiza said that drugs were substances that affected the functions of a whole or part of an organism, especially the central nervous system.

He observed that the majority of youths in the present-day society depended on drugs to carry out various activities.

According to him, hard drugs can cause an individual to exhibit some socially unacceptable attributes.

“Suicide, murder, madness, and involvement in unlawful acts are among what hard drugs can lure one into. Kidnapping, banditry, robbery among others are triggered illicit drug abuse.

“That is why all drugs are to be recommended and should be administered with caution, in acceptable doses, and under the supervision of an expert, “he said.

The NGO boss urged the youths to shun drug abuse and acts inimical to their growth and the development of society.