The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has raised concern over the growing cases of drug abuse, alcoholism, and homelessness in Nigeria. The groups called for joint action from all stakeholders to curb the trend.
Their call followed a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which revealed that about 14.3 million Nigerians—among the highest globally—use psychoactive substances or are addicted to them.
Speaking during an advocacy rally at the FHA Field in Festac, Lagos, after a road walk on Saturday, the Capoon of the Saratoga X Chapter of NAS, Mr. Emeka Achonu, said the campaign aimed to change public perception about drug users and homeless individuals.
According to him, the initiative seeks to shift the stigma associated with street children and homelessness from abandonment to empathy and support, as a way of tackling the root causes and effects of drug abuse.
“We are campaigning to let people know that this is a big issue and that something needs to be done about it,” Achonu said.
“We are speaking to the government and interested associations, including the NDLEA, which is here with us.”
Achonu noted that there is a strong link between drug abuse and homelessness, explaining that many substance abusers are people without homes, shelter, or medical care, who live on the streets and fall into bad company.
He further stated that drug use and addiction often lead to loss of employment, family breakdown, and eventually homelessness.
NAS therefore urged individuals, organisations, and the general public to speak out against drug abuse, assist in the rehabilitation of victims, and change negative societal perceptions about them.
Achonu added that the group chose the FHA Field as the venue for the campaign because it hosts regular fitness and sporting activities, providing an opportunity to reach their target audience.
“Most of the people who come here to play football, exercise, or hang out also engage in some of these habits,” he said.
“We need to let them know that what they are doing has serious side effects.”
On their part, the NDLEA team expressed worry that some individuals now mix illicit drugs into common food items such as cakes, candies, and beverages, which sometimes reach unsuspecting consumers, including children.
Commending NAS for the initiative, Mrs. Afenfia Ebia Imoke, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics who led the NDLEA delegation, warned parents and guardians against sending children to buy alcohol or drugs, or using such substances in their presence.
She explained that these actions expose minors to early experimentation, noting that campaigns in schools have revealed cases of drug use among children as young as seven years old.
Responding to questions from participants, NDLEA officials encouraged those struggling with addiction or relapse to visit NDLEA offices for professional guidance and support.
The agency also urged religious institutions, including churches and mosques, to intensify awareness campaigns among their congregations to help reduce the spread of drug abuse across communities.
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