The Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has launched a comprehensive initiative to address the rising issue of drug abuse among youths in North East.
The partnership aims to curb substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles, providing support and resources to young people in the region.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande commended the NEDC for its efforts and emphasized the importance of collaboration.
He said, “We must come together, harness our resources, and think outside the box to create a greater impact. I have visited several states in the Northeast and witnessed the remarkable work being done. It’s truly inspiring.”
Olawande highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian youth, noting the need for the government to be more accessible and engaging.
He said, “You see many protests and calls for engagement because young people often feel disconnected from the government. There is renewed hope, and we must bridge this gap. During my time as a youth, there were challenges, but we found ways to stay engaged. Today, we need to reach out to all young people, including those in informal sectors who may feel overlooked.”
The minister acknowledged the prevalence of drug use among the youth, exacerbated by negative influences in entertainment and other areas.
He emphasised the need for a united approach, saying, “The number of young people involved in drugs is alarming. While agencies like the NDLEA are doing their part, we must reengineer our thinking and educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse. We need to work together to make a difference using our combined capacities.”
Olawande proposed launching a campaign titled “One Youth, One Word” (OYOWID), to foster positive dialogue and action against drug abuse.
He called for a collaborative effort to create a comprehensive roadmap to address the issue, ensuring the safety and well-being of all young Nigerians.
Responding, the MD/CEO of NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, outlined the commission’s master plan, which includes youth empowerment and education across various sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and commerce.
He stated, “Youth are a significant focus in all our efforts, and we have dedicated substantial resources to ensure their development.”
Alkali highlighted the underlying factors contributing to the drug abuse crisis, including unemployment and disillusionment among educated youths.
He expressed concern over the rise of Boko Haram, noting that many of its members are young, educated individuals who feel marginalised.
He said the NEDC has built 18 mega schools across the Northeast to address these issues, providing educational opportunities to the region’s youth. He added that the commission has established 18 ICT centres to equip young people with digital skills.
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