Stakeholders have emphasized the United Nations call for dialogue forum to address Drug abuse globally.
International Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates, (IAWPA), Mr. Chidi Ehiriodo at the IAWPA forum on 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Abuja, Nigeria, said that dialogue forums will bring together stakeholders involved to underscore the cause, effect and remedy to Drug abuse.
He said this year’s theme: “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention” focuses on not condemning the victims of drug abuse, but on creating forums to interact with them and find lasting solutions.
“Some of the people that misuse drugs majority are illiterate, and in such situation what do we do? There should be a campaign for enlightenment”. He said.
Mr. Ehiriodo enjoined all the Non Governmental Organizations, NGOs present to run campaigns to help, educate, enlighten and inform the people against drug abuse and trafficking.
The National Security Adviser to Nigeria’s President Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Steven Okwegwu said it is estimated globally that the ripple effect of drug abuse is the disruption of national peace.
Therefore “everyone has a part to play, either by seeing something and saying something, either by helping through moral educational and otherwise encourages and advise to the potential abusers or those already into it”. He said.
He urged everyone present to play their part, go out of their comfort zone, and talk to the youths in other to rid the society of drug abuse.
The forum featured dialogue on what truly constitutes drug abuse and investiture of new peace advocates from across the country.
Olusola Akintonde
