In a proactive effort to address the widespread issue of drug abuse and its associated social challenges among Nigerian youths, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to involve more National Youth Service Corps, NYSC members in the fight against drug consumption.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, during a visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
During discussions with the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, alongside Dr. Oliver Stolpe, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Representative, Mr. Olawande underscored the urgency of addressing youth addiction.
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This move reflects the government’s commitment to combatting drug abuse and its detrimental effects on society, with the active involvement of NYSC members at the forefront of this initiative.
“Efforts must be intensified to reduce drug abuse among youths because it is the foundation of the increasing rate of social vices,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the destructive impact of hard drugs as a catalyst for youth restiveness, which has become a significant concern for the nation.
He said that, in collaboration with UNODC, the ministry is set to organise a school-based drug prevention programme targeting students aged 12 to 16. The initiative aims to impart the life skills necessary to resist peer pressure and manage stress.
Mr. Olawande further explained that the programme would cover non-violent conflict resolution techniques.
He assured NYSC of his ministry’s full support, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
“There is a need to engage the youth and also task them with good initiatives,” he said.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Dr Stolpe revealed that the proposed programme had already seen over 1,200 teachers trained in life skills methodologies, who, in turn, had educated more than 100,000 individuals.
He outlined the programme’s objectives to “reduce drug abuse, alcohol, cigarette smoking, and consumption of other toxic substances in the market.”
Dr. Stolpe also lauded the NYSC for integrating skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training into their orientation course, underscoring the importance of skill acquisition for youth empowerment and personal development.
He identified job creation through skill empowerment as a critical solution to the country’s unemployment crisis.
Responding to the partnership proposal, Brigadier General YD Ahmed assured both the Minister and the UN Country Representative of NYSC’s commitment to the cause.
He announced the formation of a committee involving the NYSC, the Minister’s Office, and the UN team to develop a strategic blueprint for this collaboration.