In response to a report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, which revealed that 14.4% of Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 abuse drugs, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, attributes the high rate of drug abuse, poverty, frustration, peer-group pressure among youths, and unemployment to leadership failure in the country.
On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Obi expressed concern over the alarming prevalence of drug abuse among Nigerian youths. He highlighted the negative health consequences of drug abuse, including mental health issues and incidents of suicidal behavior. While commending the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug abuse, Obi emphasized the need for the government to do more in rescuing the youth population from further descent into addiction.
Obi stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of drug abuse, such as leadership failure, poverty, frustration, peer pressure, and unemployment. He called for measures that promote a stigma-free environment for those struggling with drug addiction and urged the implementation of preventive strategies to curb the spread of this societal problem. Recognizing the significant role of Nigerian youth in building a better future, Obi emphasized the necessity of ensuring their freedom from drug abuse and illicit substance trafficking.
By not stigmatizing individuals affected by drug addiction and implementing effective preventive measures, Obi believes that Nigeria can gradually eliminate this social menace and create a new Nigeria anchored on a productive and drug-free youth population.
