It is with great concern that I address the rising issue of drug abuse amongst the youths not only on our various campuses but the wider environment within our region.
The increasing prevalence of illicit substances among students and youth threatens the health, safety and future of many.
Drug abuse is a public health crisis that undermines our core values of education, discipline, and societal well-being. It hampers the academic potential of students and weakens the moral fabric of our communities. As an organization, we cannot afford to allow this dangerous trend to take root any further.
The Southwest geopolitical zone, home to some of Nigeria's most esteemed universities and higher institutions, should be a region of academic excellence, innovation and leadership. However, the growing incidence of drug abuse among students, as well as within the surrounding communities, threatens to overshadow these ideals. We must act now to prevent further deterioration.
The consequences of drug abuse extend far beyond the classroom. It affects students' health, productivity, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Additionally, it destabilizes families and communities, making it the more urgent
that we address this issue comprehensively.
NANS Zone D calls on all stakeholders, students leaders, educational institutions, local communities, law enforcement agencies, and government authorities to join our forces in combating the menace known as “Drug Abuse”. We need a holistic approach that spans both academic environments and our local surroundings.
Our strategies will include:
i. Educational Campaigns: Launching extensive awareness initiatives that focus on the health risks, social implications, and long-term consequences of the abuse of drug.
ii. Support Systems for Affected Individuals: Creating accessible counseling, rehabilitation, and peer support programs for those struggling with substance abuse.
iii. Stronger Enforcement of Anti-Drug Policies: Encouraging both campus authorities and law enforcement agencies to take more decisive action against the trafficking and use of illegal substances in our communities.
iv. Community Engagement and Student-Led Initiatives: Mobilizing students and local organizations to foster a drug-free culture, advocate for positive behavior, and support one another in building healthier communities.
This is not just a campus issue but a community issue. We must work together to create a safer and supportive spaces for all, both within our academic institutions and the larger communities we inhabit.
The time to ACT is NOW.
Together, we can ensure that our campuses and communities in Southwest geopolitical zone are safer and healthy for academic success. Our zone should be free from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
E-signed:
Sen. Comrade Afolabi Adedayo
Financial Secretary,
NANS Southwest Zone D.
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