Drug and substance abuse has been identified as barriers affecting young people from making positive impacts.
Cheniba
The Executive Director of a Non governmental organization, Community Anti- Drug Abuse Advocacy Initiative CADDAI, Mr. Cheniba James, made the disclosure at a boys mentorship program held in Lokoja organised by Save The Boys Initiative.
In a sensitization message for youths to stay off drugs so as not to truncate their future, the Co-ordinator, CADAAI Kogi State Chapter, speaking on Global Pandemic versus Global Impact, said young people are created for impact, Laments the drug abuse cripples the mind.
The Coordinator described drug abuse as a global pandemic over the whole country and the world, described the sensitization boys mentorship as coming at a better time in view of the dangers of drug abuse.
The Coordinator said drug and substance abuse is the illegal usage of drugs in ways we shouldn’t and purposes they were meant for, says drugs cripples productive life and leads to untimely death.
Ebuka
Presently 36m nigerians suffer drug use disorder, with 11m indulging in cannabis use, added that between 2010 and 2019, there was an increase by 22% in drug abuse.
While pointing out that there is a prediction for a Global rise in drug abuse by 2030, with 20m Young people in Nigerians expected to be involved in drug abuse by 2030.
Globally, over 11m Nigerians the Coordinator noted is estimated to inject drugs by 2030, explained that drug abuse does not enhance academic performance, reason for serious awareness for changing the misinformation on drug abuse.
Mr. Cheniba says the need for awareness is underscored by, pointing out that there is a prevalence of 20-40%0and 20.9% of drug abuse is reported amongst students and youths.
Mr. Cheniba lamented that 40% of tomorrow’s future leader are deeply involved in substance abuse, says drug intake leads to damage to the brain, changes how brain works and madness.
In a remarks, Ebuka Ede, Founder, Save the Boys Initiative, challenged boys to a life of integrity and value, urged the boys to dig for gold towards making global impacts.
Mr. Ebuka urged the boys to be focused, with directions, said a lot of boys have lost their destinies on the alter of female laps, says there is reason to wait to enjoy the greater reward for success in life through hardwork, dedication and commitment to destiny decision.
He charged the boys to rise up from there slumber, says a man who can make influence and global impacts must be disciplined, challenged boys to wake up and be responsible, pointing out that the they should be concerned about foundation, urged them to think integrity as they can’t make global impacts without passion.
While pointing out that the time for youths to look forward to mentors who are standing out as role models, described the sky as starting point if the seek positive ideas, dwell on hardwork, persevere, committed to excellence and discipline.