The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) has announced its readiness to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to address the issue of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
The joint efforts will focus on creating awareness, offering rehabilitation programs, and providing skills training to those affected.
This was disclosed by the Director, Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi on Wednesday following Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim’s visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Gen. Marwa in his remarks decried the drug situation in Nigeria as regards the youths and stressed the need for all stakeholders, particularly Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen partnership with a view to curbing the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
He noted the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and make life meaningful for the generality of citizens.
“The benefits would sooner than later create more jobs for the good of youths and ultimately discourage most of them from going into substance abuse.”
The NDLEA boss further stated that he envisages collaborations between the Agency, Ministry of Youth Development and Federal Ministry of Agriculture as one capable of not only curbing drug abuse but also creating millions of jobs and providing food sufficiency for the nation.
Similarly, Minister Bio in his address disclosed that she made the visit to seek collaboration with NDLEA on advocacy, strengthening grassroots awareness especially among youths on dangers of substance abuse.
She also highlighted getting counselling and rehabilitation for young Nigerians struggling with drug abuse or addiction and providing skills acquisition for youths undergoing rehabilitation in NDLEA facilities.
The minister expressed confidence maintaining that the National Youth Development Bank will soon be launched by the Federal Government to empower Nigerian youths.
She added that the bank could also serve as a channel for rehabilitated young Nigerians to get funding for beneficial endeavours based on skills acquired during rehabilitation so that they won’t go back to the same environment and situations that led them into substance abuse.
