A non-governmental organisation, Health Education and Empowerment Initiative, HEDEN, has warned against drug abuse, stating that it has a serious and lasting effect on the mental, physical and emotional health of the persons involved.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs. Folasade Ofurune, gave the warning during a sensitisation programme carried out on Wednesday.
The programme was carried out on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with this year’s theme of “Health for Justice and Justice for Health.”
The annual occasion scheduled for every June 26 was marked at Arepo area of Ogun State by HEDEN.
In her remarks, Ofurune stressed that drug abuse was not limited to the use of hard drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroine and others.
Rather, she said, it included inappropriate use of substances.
This, she said, included alcohol, prescription of medication or illegal drugs for purposes such as “pleasure, to feel among, be accepted or perform better in certain situation, or to change one’s perception of reality.”
She emphasised the crucial role played by families, schools, and communities in stemming the tide of increase in drug abuse in the country.
The programme officer of the organisation, Gideon Amusan, while sensitising participants against drug abuse, highlighted the different types of drugs, why people abuse drugs and the dangers of substance abuse.
He also emphasised the need for rehabilitation.
As part of the programme, educational materials in English and local languages were distributed as retainer of knowledge with the support of the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
As an incentive, the organisation also gave out gifts to participants at the venue.
Some of the participants were identified and chosen as community-based animators.
In her presentation, Ofurune stated further that the government should be committed to working with non-governmental organisations in a programme such as the one being carried out to make people live healthily and ensure the security of communities.
According to her, HEDEN was not resting on its oars as it was set to take the drug war to public secondary schools in Ogun State.
