The Nigerian Senate has raised alarm over the escalating cases of drug abuse, particularly among young people, calling for urgent measures to curb the crisis.
During a one-day national event focused on involving parents in combating drug abuse and reckless behaviors, the Senate expressed concern that failure to act swiftly could lead to socio-economic instability among Nigeria’s youth.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru addressed the gathering organized by the Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM) on Thursday.
Senator Ashiru emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that drug abuse is a root cause of crime and a barrier to quality education, underscoring that effective solutions begin at home with active parental involvement.
Event convener, Ambassador Cristabel Okoye, echoed the Senate’s concerns, urging parents to positively shape their children’s characters from a young age. Okoye criticized the glorification of drug use in movies and music videos, highlighting the tragic loss of young lives influenced by these portrayals.
With the growing crisis of drug addiction among Nigeria’s youth, the Senate and stakeholders at the event emphasized that the issue demands urgent and unified action.
