Members of Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday moved to end the increasing rate of drug abuse and the use of narcotic substances among youths in the state.
This followed a motion entitled: “Need to Strengthen Enforcement Strategies by Government Regulatory Agencies to Stop the Menace of Drug Abuse Occasioned by the Use of Codeine and Other Dangerous Drugs among Nigerian Youths”, moved by Chairman of the House Committee on Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Wunmi Oladeji and co-sponsored by Mr Gbenga Oyekola (LP-Atiba).
Oladeji said that increasing incidence of drug abuse required prompt intervention of relevant health agencies in charge of drug administration.
She said, “The abuse and addiction to codeine and other illicit substances have become a public concern especially within the administration of public health sector.
“Codeine use has turned to agent of mass destruction of destiny of youths in their prime age.
“This is due to the highly addictive nature and inherent feeling of calmness and pleasure that comes with its abuse.
“Considering the health challenges including organ damage, psychosis and sudden death that can be seen among codeine users, there is need for concerted efforts to eradicate the illicit production and trafficking of controlled substances in the state.”
Oladeji said that increasing rate of drug abuse was becoming worrisome in the country because of the serious health repercussions which the country was poorly equipped to address.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye (Ibadan North II) said that the high unemployment rate had been fuelling a culture of drug use among Nigerian youths.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Olagunju Ojo, who described the motion as apt and timely, said that many youths in the country were often introduced to drugs through their peers.
Ojo said that the increasing rate of drug abuse and illicit substances was inimical to the country’s socio-economic development.
He then appealed to parents, guardians and school administrators to live up to expectation by complementing the efforts of the state government to find a lasting solution to the menace.
The speaker also called on the state government to scale up its enforcement strategies and enlightenment.
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