NDLEA urge parents to monitor children against drug abuse

LAMI Victor |

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) urges Nigerian parents, particularly women, to closely monitor their children and supervise their activities.

This call was made during a one-day seminar organized by the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara State chapter, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, NSCDC, and EFCC, under the theme ‘Security, drug abuse, corrupt practices, illegal mining, and cybercrimes: Assessing Kwara State’s Progress.’

Addressing the attendees, Deputy Commander of (Narcotics) NDLEA Mrs Roseline Aina emphasized “the global issue of drug abuse and urged collective action to combat it effectively. She highlighted unauthorized drug consumption, including alcohol, codeine, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as the misuse of prescription drugs, as significant concerns”

Aina stressed that “the root causes of drug abuse, such as peer pressure, parental neglect, idleness, and depression, must be addressed to prevent its spread”.

She also outlined “the detrimental effects of drug abuse, ranging from liver damage to social and physical consequences.

Expressing concern over the persistence of drug abuse, Aina emphasized the importance of nurturing youths to resist temptations and reject offers from addicts. She identified behavioral changes such as aggression, excessive demand for money, truancy, and mood swings as potential signs of drug use.

Furthermore, Aina highlighted the NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug abuse through collaboration with other agencies, investigation, prosecution, and awareness campaigns.

She stressed the importance of preventive measures, as addiction is challenging to reverse once established”

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ajire, echoed “the need for concerted efforts to address security challenges in Kwara State, including kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery.

Ajire emphasized the importance of community involvement and cooperation to maintain security and stability in the state”