By Bitrus Osagie
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Gombe has urged youths to shun illicit substances to stem drug abuse in the state.
The State Director of the agency, Adaline Patari gave the advice in an interview with our Correspondent.
She said the call was imperative in view of the negative consequences of substance abuse on youths.
Patari said that besides the connection between drugs and crimes, drug abuse result to serious medical, social, economic and psychological impacts on users, family and the society.
According to her, youths who frequently use drugs are more likely to face problems such as academic difficulties, health-related issues, poor relationships with family and peers amongst others.
“Youths have a duty to stay away from illegal drugs because of the danger that such menace have caused others.
“Many youths have dropped out of schools, dreams and aspirations have been destroyed because of drugs.
“Youths have a responsibility to take their health and life seriously and not entertain any acts that could tempt them into drug abuse,” she said.
Patari said the agency had scaled up sensitisation to stem high prevalence of drug abuse among the youths in the state.
According to her, the agency is working in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the media to address the menace.
She said more engagements would be carried out at the local government levels to mobilise grassroots support in the fight against drug abuse.
Patari advised parents to monitor and ensure proper mentoring of their children to protect them against drug abuse.
She also commended the wife of the Gombe governor, Hajiyah Asmau Yahaya for her efforts in combating drug abuse among youth and women.
“Last year, she supported the rehabilitation and training of youth who were into drugs.
“The youths were provided sewing and grinding machine as well as economic strengthening equipment to enable them to shun drug abuse and engage in productive activities.
“This is commendable and the initiative should be supported by the state government to enable more women who are idle and may want to take to drugs, have better alternatives,” he said.