The dangerous effects of drug abuse on the youths in today’s society have continued to raise concerns among well meaning individuals.
Although efforts are being made to curb the menace, investigations reveal that the rate of drug abuse is still on the increase in most states in Nigeria.
Worried by this social ill, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo has advised young people to shun drug abuse in order to safe-guard their future.
The Deputy Governor stated this while speaking at a One-Day Awareness Seminar held yesterday on Drug Abuse organized by the Caywood Brown Foundation in Port Harcourt.
Represented at the programme by her Senior Special Assistant, Mrs. Inegogo Fubara, Dr. Banigo pointed out that drug abuse was capable of destroying the future of its victims who she said are mostly youths.
“The danger inherent in drug abuse is its capability to truncate the dreams and aspiration of our youths to succeed in life,” she said.
She noted that a lot of young destinies have been terminated by the rampaging effect of drugs, stressing that abstinence remains a panacea to the curbing of the menace.
The Deputy Governor congratulated successful participates in the rehabilitation programme and advised them to continue to be of good conduct as well as worthy Ambassadors of their families.
In their various submissions, the representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Stellamaris Amede and her counterpart from the Centre for Advocacy on Drug and Substance Abuse, Barr. Chibuzor Gladys, disclosed that some of the effects of drug abuse includes High Blood Pressure, HIV/ AIDs, Depression, Hallucination and cultism.
Highlights of the occasion were presentation of starter packs to successful participants of the rehabilitation programme by the Caywood Brown Foundation.
