The Behavioural and Social Insight Initiative (BSI), an NGO, has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, schools, faith-based organisations and development partners to tackle opioid misuse and substance abuse among young Nigerians. Its Project Officer, Omosigho Destiny, made the call during a youth sensitisation programme organised with Smile Africa in Benin, Edo State.
Destiny said the programme was designed to educate young people aged 20 to 35 on the risks associated with opioid misuse and other forms of substance abuse. He said participants engaged in health talks, group discussions and solution-building exercises, while also making personal commitments to support drug-abuse prevention efforts in their communities.
The project officer warned against self-medication and urged Nigerians to use opioid medicines only under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. He said the organisation’s experience with prescription-related drug dependency highlighted the need for greater public awareness, stressing that people struggling with drug dependence should seek professional medical assistance.
Destiny said BSI would continue working with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to develop evidence-based prevention programmes. He urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), government institutions, schools, churches and development partners to strengthen collaboration, noting that sustained education and community engagement were essential to reducing drug abuse among young people.
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