Abuja: Drug prevention advocates and law enforcement officers have urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to intensify efforts toward guiding teenagers away from drug abuse and harmful peer influence. They made the call at a two-day workshop on substance use prevention, organized by the Siki Springs Foundation in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), FCT Command. The event focused on educating secondary school students about the dangers of drug abuse, how to identify harmful substances, and ways to resist peer pressure.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, stakeholders emphasized that prevention is cheaper and more effective than rehabilitation, which often comes too late. Joy Onatoyinbo, Chief Executive Officer of Siki Springs Foundation, stressed that awareness alone was not enough, but more practical training was needed for students on the dangers of drug abuse. "We need to educate the students, like a training workshop, to see this substance being shown to them so that they can recognize it and protect themselves from being influenced by their peers or even older ones who may take advantage of them."
Onatoyinbo noted that the foundation focuses on government secondary schools where exposure to negative influences is high. She highlighted funding as a challenge while emphasizing the importance of offering the training free of charge. She called on individuals and organizations to support early prevention initiatives, describing them as cost-effective and essential for national security.
Similarly, Augustine Nduka, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, NDLEA FCT Command, underscored the role of families, schools, and religious institutions in curbing drug abuse among teenagers. He advised teenagers to open up to their teachers and parents, avoid peers involved in drug use, and engage in religious activities to prevent drug abuse.
Participants at the workshop appreciated the knowledge and practical skills gained, noting that the sessions broadened their perspectives on key issues. Mercy Nnamele, a participant, highlighted early detection as key in tackling drug abuse, while Deborah Sen urged schools to invest more in preventive programs without waiting for government intervention. Aisha Haruna described the workshop as an eye-opener on the harmful effects of drug use, stating the importance of recognizing the dangers drugs pose to health.