Some stakeholders in the health and education sectors have expressed concern over the increasing rate of drug abuse among teenagers in Suleja, Niger State.
The stakeholders, on Monday June 1, warned that the growing trend posed serious threats to public health, education, security and national productivity.
A medical practitioner at General Hospital, Suleja, Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, decried the high rate of addiction and substance dependency among teenagers. He said the behavioural effects were becoming more evident in schools, homes, and healthcare facilities. He also observed that easy and unregulated access to prescription medications had further worsened the crisis.
Also speaking, a teacher at Government Day Secondary School, Suleja, Mrs Grace Eze, warned that substance use among students often led to negative behavioural patterns such as poor academic performance, truancy, juvenile delinquency, teenage pregnancy, and dropping out of school.
A parent, Mrs Ramatu Abubakar, emphasised the need for intentional parental guidance and greater involvement of stakeholders in tackling the growing menace among young people.
On their part, Public health advocates have called for stricter regulation of pharmaceutical sales, improved rehabilitation services, and increased investment in youth-focused education and awareness programmes.
They also urged parents, schools, religious leaders and government institutions to strengthen collaboration in tackling the crisis.
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