The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday warned students to desist from drug abuse as it could lead to jail term and prevent them from achieving their careers in life.
The Drug Demand Reduction Officer of the agency, Mr. Augustine Nduka, gave the warning during a programme on drug abuse and trafficking among the students, organised by Xploiting Consulting Ltd in Abuja.
Nduka explained that drug abuse was the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain but capable of destroying people’s lives.
He said that the consequences of drug abuse to health could be long-lasting and permanent, adding that it could continue even when a person had stopped taking the substance.
The NDLEA officer said that drug abuse had ruined and killed many youths, while some were still languishing in prison custody.
Director Communication, Xploits Consulting Ltd, Mrs. Grace Taiwo, told the students that drug addiction had really destroyed many youths in society.
She said that the programme was aimed at reducing drug abuse among the youths as well as addressing drug trafficking in the country.
Also, a consultant in Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mr Samuel Animoku, advised the students to be mindful of the friends they kept.
Animoku said that bad association could destroy lives and future of the youths.
The schools that participated were drawn from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State, including Christ Anglican Secondary, Gwagwalada, FCT, and Capville Group of Schools, Dawak.
Others were Brainstorm Comprehensive Academy, Ungwan Jaba and Babcecil Schools, New Karu, Nasarawa state.
The Principal, Babcecil School, Mr. Oliver Onoja, while commending the orgaisers and the sponsor, said the lecture was timely as drug abuse had taken brains and lives of many young people in the country.
Onoja, however, urged the facilitators to ensure they extend the workshop to other schools in order to enlighten the students more on the negative effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
He called for the establishment of drug-free clubs in schools to help combat the menace among the students.
Miss Angela Anajendu of Capville Group of Schools, on behalf of other students, thanked the facilitators and the sponsor for organising the programme.
She said that the workshop had enlightened them on the dangers of drug abuse. (NAN)
