The Cute Kids Haven Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has called for a comprehensive approach to tackle drug and substance abuse in Nigeria.
The foundation’s administrator, Ms Taiwo Bello made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
According to Bello, addressing drug abuse effectively requires a strong focus on preventive education and support services, including interventions, counseling, and rehabilitation.
She warned that substance abuse can severely harm young people’s physical and mental health, causing anxiety, depression, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and organ damage.
She noted that substance abuse often increases crime rates, including theft, assault, and drug trafficking, posing risks to both individuals and the community.
She emphasised that substance abuse often strains relationships, making it hard for users to maintain connections with family, friends, and colleagues.
She said this strain can also affect employment and education.
Bello added that drug abuse burdens the government with higher healthcare costs, strain on the justice system, and economic losses from reduced youth productivity.
She stated that Cute Kids Haven Foundation is actively working to educate youths across Lagos State about the dangers of drug abuse.
The administrator also urged parents to avoid behaviors that may inadvertently expose their children to drugs.
She cited findings that some children are exposed to drugs due to parental neglect, as some parents fail to monitor their children’s associations, messages, and the influence of those in their environment.
Bello called on religious leaders to join the fight against drug and substance abuse, emphasising that a community-wide effort is essential to address this growing problem effectively.
