By Harriet Ijeomah
The rising wave of drug and substance abuse has become a deep-rooted issue in Nigerian society, particularly among young people. For years, the Nigerian government and development agencies have implemented various programs to combat the growing menace. In the Niger Delta, the negative impact of drug addiction and substance abuse has been severe, contributing to an increase in violence against women and girls, and fueling insecurity.
According to reports, more than 60 incidents of illicit drug trafficking and abuse were recorded in the Niger Delta region between January 2019 and September 2022. Recent data also highlights the widespread production and trafficking of illicit drugs within the region.
A research study in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State, revealed alarming statistics: over 98% of secondary school students admitted to using methanol, while 100% engaged in alcohol consumption. These figures underline the urgent need for intervention, as Imo State faces its own challenges linked to the misuse of substances.
To address this growing crisis, the Partnership for Peace in the Niger Delta (P4P), a volunteer organization under the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), launched a massive awareness campaign. Supported by PIND, the campaign took place from September 25 to October 2, 2024, across Ikeduru Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.
The state coordinator of P4P, Chilos Godsent, emphasized that the campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and its devastating effects on individuals. The intervention focused on mobilizing community stakeholders, establishing a youth vanguard to address substance abuse, and working with community leaders to identify abusers and refer them to rehabilitation centers.
During the campaign, the team encountered several individuals grappling with substance abuse. One such individual, Mbono Ike, a sand miner, admitted to using substances to enhance his physical strength during labor. While he acknowledged the harmful effects on his health, he expressed his continued reliance on the drugs due to the lack of viable alternatives.
Josephine Ogu, a recent university graduate, shared her tragic experience of being attacked by her drug-dependent brother, who is currently in rehabilitation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). She also recounted an attempted rape incident involving him, shedding light on the broader dangers drug abuse poses to families and communities.
The traditional ruler of Ebikoro Autonomous Community in Uzoagba, Ikeduru, Marcel Okwadikesinachi Egemonu expressed gratitude to P4P and called for more drug awareness programs. He noted the devastating impact of substance abuse on his community, particularly among the youth, leading to an increase in crimes such as theft, robbery, and rape. These issues have created an unsafe environment for women and girls in the community.
By the end of the campaign, P4P successfully trained over 301 young people, including women and girls. The organization also counseled and rehabilitated 22 young men, aged 18 to 40, who had been severely impacted by substance abuse. The program continues to work in partnership with the NDLEA to ensure that youth facing critical substance abuse issues are referred for rehabilitation and personal development.
Other communities involved in the P4P initiative include Ngugo Obaire Autonomous Community and Aladinma Community in Avuvu Ancient Kingdom, all located within Ikeduru LGA.
P4P’s efforts are part of an ongoing campaign to spread the message of substance abuse mitigation throughout Imo State, with plans to design more projects aimed at addressing this widespread issue. Through its partnerships and community-based approach, P4P continues to be a critical force in the fight against substance abuse in the region.
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Drug addiction is now menace among young people in the society.
Substance Intake and Abuse is now a menace among young people in the society.