Lagos, Oct. 28, 2023 (NAN) Abdulmumin Edidi, Representative, Nigerian Youth Parliament for Lagos Central Senatorial District, has advised the Federal Government to establish counseling units, specifically dedicated to drug abuse at primary healthcare centers.
Edidi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
He noted that the establishment of such units would assist the federal government in tackling the issue of drug abuse at the grassroots level.
According to him, these units will play a vital role in counseling individuals about the harmful effects of drug use on society and enlightening them on how to resist and prevent drug abuse.
He said it would also involve focusing on the grassroots level, particularly by educating parents.
Edidi noted that the counseling units would raise awareness and ensure that the message reaches the broader community.
“It is really important for the government to establish and strengthen these units at primary healthcare centres to ensure this menace is tackled properly.” he added.
Edidi recommended rehabilitating drug users instead of sentencing them to prison, saying imprisonment often worsen their situation.
He added that stiffer penalties should be handled out to drug traffickers, noting that such action would help in curbing the activities of traffickers.
“It is extremely important that when drug users are caught, they should be given the rehabilitation needed.
“Rehabilitation is needed in situations like that. It will change their orientation and mindset in the usage of drugs. This, in turn, will help them become better persons in the society.
“Dishing out prison sentences to them would only make them become worse. There is also a high chance of them mixing with the wrong crowd which would worsen their situation.
“Also, stiffer penalties like life imprisonment should be handled out to drug traffickers. It will serve as a stern warning to others and also discourage people from going into such harmful, inhumane and illegal business.” he explained.
Edidi also emphasised the potential role of technology in combating drug abuse, especially by incorporating advancing technologies and providing skill-building opportunities to the younger generation.
He, therefore, said that the country could effectively leverage technology as a tool to address drug abuse.
He recommended the implementation of a law mandating drug tests for individuals seeking political office as a proactive approach in tackling drug abuse across the country.
NAN reports that a grand finale for a debate among Junior and Senior Secondary Schools across Lagos Central Senatorial District will hold on Oct. 31.
The debate is advocacy programme on drug abuse amongst the students. Its goal is to establish drug free clubs in the schools which will serve as peer groups and safe spaces to curtail the issues of drug abuse in the schools. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Source: News Agency of Nigeria