"NAFDAC’s ‘Catch Them Young’ Programme: Aims to Combat Drug Abuse Among Nigeria’s Youth"
Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse among Nigeria’s youth, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled the "Catch Them Young" programme. The initiative, launched on Friday at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, focuses on drug abuse education and awareness, targeting secondary school students who are often the most affected by this crisis.
According to NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, "14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse," emphasizing the urgency of the programme. She noted that drug addiction can arise from both legal and illegal drugs and emphasized that the programme’s purpose is "not to scare anyone, but to have honest conversations" with students to help them make informed decisions about drugs and alcohol.
Adeyeye also highlighted alarming statistics, citing that one in four high-risk drug users in Nigeria has been arrested for drug-related offences, with a range of offences including possession, theft, sex work, burglary, and shoplifting. She cautioned that these statistics only reflect arrests, and many crimes go unreported, suggesting the problem is likely worse than the figures suggest.
The Catch Them Young Programme is designed to educate students on both legal and illegal drugs, with a focus on preventing addiction. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of teachers in identifying behavioral changes and working with parents to address them, encouraging teachers to create a supportive environment and avoid being judgmental toward students who may be struggling with drug use.
NAFDAC’s initiative also aims to highlight the risks associated with drug abuse, including poor judgment, high-risk sexual behavior, mental health disorders, impaired driving, and declining academic performance. Adeyeye urged students to resist peer pressure, seek professional help if needed, and focus on their studies.
In a major component of the programme, NAFDAC plans to expand its Consumer Safety Club in secondary schools as part of its broader strategy to fight counterfeit drugs and ensure drug safety. Adeyeye urged students to "be agents of change" and make responsible choices that will protect them from the dangers of drug abuse.
With the launch of the "Catch Them Young" programme, NAFDAC aims to reorientate Nigerian youths and educate them on the risks and consequences of drug abuse. The programme is a significant step in the agency’s broader mandate to collaborate with stakeholders on drug demand reduction strategies.
