The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for the inclusion of drug education in the curriculum of schools in Nigeria, to inform young people about substance abuse.
Chief Executive Officer of VGADA, Dr Hope Abraham, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Abraham said that many Nigerians were ignorant of the effect of hard drugs to them and the society.
He also said that young people need a source of reliable information about illegal intake of prohibited substances.
“Teenagers and youths need to get accurate and detailed information about substance use from a trusted and reliable adult, be it a parent or a teacher,” he said.
He also said that education planners must assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in fighting the scourge.
“Community support is also extremely important to prevent, treat, rehabilitate and accept those addicted to substances.
Abraham also called on schools, civil society groups and faith-based organisations, the media and families to raise greater awareness about the dangers of illicit substances and abuse.
NAN reports that the NGO has earmarked on the sensitisation of 10 schools, to form part of its core campaign outlet with the establishment of anti-drugs clubs.
NAN also reports that the NGO has also launched a campaign to educate students of the Kogi State University, as part of it project to reach out to undergraduates on dangers of drug abuse.(NAN)