2024 World Drugs Day: Stakeholders call for Awareness on the Negative Effects on Drugs/Substance Abuse
Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators Foundation (YEIFOUNDATION), marked World Drugs Day, with a lecture titled, “The Evidence is clear, Invest in Prevention”, recently in Abuja.
The event converged key stakeholders to deliberate on negative effect of drugs and substance abuse and way forward.
Speaking at the occasion, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onyemelukwe, a Nigerian Professor of French and African literature in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the topic “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention,” in other words, there is a remarkable evidence that investment in prevention is the best option for checking the prevalence of persons with substance use disorder.
She maintained that “World Health Organization (WHO) defines Substance Use Disorder as: “A condition characterized by the recurrent use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, despite significant harm or impairment to physical and mental health, relationships, and daily life.” American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines it as: “A pattern of continued use despite negative consequences such as health problems, relationship issues, or failure to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work.” Prof. Ifeoma said.
Delivering a welcome address, the President of YEIFOUNDATION Foundation, Abraham Eshioramhe Ofeoshi, said that Nigeria Drug abuse is reported among students and youths today. Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup and tramadol. Sources where abusers obtained drugs, were pharmacies/patent medicine shops, open drug markets, drug hawkers, fellow drug abusers, friends, and drug pushers. More worrisome is that Drug abuse is common among undergraduates and secondary school students, youths, commercial bus drivers, farmers, and sex workers. Reason for use included to increase physical performance, stress and to derive pleasure.
The highlight of the occasion include award presentation to distinguished Nigerians who have supported, trained, mentored and empowered the youths. Amongst whom are:
Prof. Nuhu Yaqub OFR, a First-Class Honours graduates from the Bayero University, former Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and former Vice Chancellor University of Abuja. During his tenure as the Vice Chancellor, his administration encouraged manpower development by recruiting qualified academic staff into the system, while encouraging seasoned academics on sabbatical and those visiting to join the system. He improved on the staff strength before the end of his tenure. He recruited qualified academic and non-academic staff to make UniAbuja a true centre of unity, unlike what it was before he became its VC. He was described as a ‘rare Nigeria par excellence’.
Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onyemelukwe, a Nigerian Professor of French and African literature in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; with 183 publications to her credit comprising: 149 articles in peer-reviewed national and international scientific journals/books; 3 articles in official Conference Proceedings and 31 books. She participated actively and fruitfully in 30 international and national conferences and workshops where she impacted vigorously colleagues and mentees. She has remained highly productive with a record of 139 additional publications since she became a Professor, a rare virtue in Nigerian Professors.
Chief Engr. Samuel Enyindah Amadi, a Philanthropic per Excellence, EZE OMENI OHA 1 OF OMUDIOGA, Council Member, Omudioga Clan Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers; a staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) with over twenty years work experience in various departments of the company and the CEO of Amadise and Sons Nigeria Ltd.
Dr. Kingsley Mayowa Okonoda, the Chief Medical Director/ CEO Netwealth Medical Services and Rehabilitation Centre, State Low Cost, Rantya, Jos. Consultant Psychiatrist and immediate past Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee on Education and Training at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Reader (Associate Professor) in Addiction, Social and Rehabilitation Psychiatry at the University of Jos. He is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians. A Master Trainer for the United Nation’s Office on Drug and Crime and Federal Ministry of Health, North Central Coordinator, Community Intervention Network on Drugs, a Network of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations involved in drug prevention, sensitization, treatment, rehabilitation, and policy.
Dr Nkwoji Nicholas Okanniegbulem (FCA), is a seasoned Professional Accountant, Educator, leadership consultant, a Business and Finance Consultant. He is the current Bursar of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri one of the newly upgraded Colleges of Education in the country, overseeing financial activities of the University; providing financial advisory function to the Chief Executive Officer.
YEIFOUNDATION is a member of Community intervention Network on Drugs (CIND). A Network of Civil Society Organizations CSO’s whose objective are to advocate for a balanced effective drugs policy in Nigeria, encourage evidence based treatment and care services for people who use drugs and promote research in drugs prevention, treatment and care (DPTC).