Drug Abuse: Lagos Cautions Youths Against Peer Pressure

Lagos State government has warned youths against negative peer pressure that could lead them to indulging in drug and substance abuse and illicit trafficking activities.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, who gave the warning at a school awareness and sensitisation programme to commemorate the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lagos, said peer pressure has been linked to drug and substance abuse, misuse, addiction and illicit trafficking especially amongst teenagers and youths.

Ogboye posited that young people must be equipped with skills and ability to take their mind off drugs, and stand up to say NO to peers who may want to lure them into drug and substance abuse.

“We are here to sensitise, educate and empower young minds with information that will help them make the right choices. Knowledge, they say, is power; so, having the right information about the abuse of drugs and substance, and how to stay clear of it cannot be overemphasised. Drug and substance abuse can affect every aspect of a child’s life and also have a negative effect in the society. So the earlier we nip it in the bud, the better for our youths and the society”, he said.

Ogboye noted that the Y2023 United Nations International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorative theme: “People First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention”, is well thought out.