Some Lagos residents
have called for more awareness programmes on illicit drug use and trafficking to reduce their intake and trafficking by the youth.
The residents, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, urged National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to create more public awareness on the negative effects of drugs to the society.
A lawyer, Mr Kayode Ademiluyi, said that NDLEA, as an agency of the government, was doing its best but needed to do more in terms of publicity.
‘’It is not only NDLEA that is saddled with the responsibility of curbing drug abuse and trafficking, rather it is the responsibility of everyone but there is need for NDLEA to publicise the issue of drug trafficking the more.
‘’It is not only to arrest and prosecute offenders but publicity is key to reducing this menace. ‘The agency must let people know the dangers of engaging in this form illegality,’’ he said.
Ademiluyi, who attributed the cause of illicit drug use by youths to family upbringing, urged parents to inculcate good moral values in their children at an early stage of their upbringing.
‘’We need to educate our children on the dangers of these illicit drugs and also have time for them so that the country at large can be a better place for us all,’’ he said.
Another lawyer, Mr Spurgeon Attainne, said that the NDLEA should collaborate more with international organisations and communities to reduce drug abuse.
‘’Awareness is key to the successful reduction of illicit drug trafficking in the country. Much still needs to be done to reduce drug abuse in the country,’’ he noted.
A security expert, Mr Wilson Esangbedo, said that NDLEA needed more funds to boost its role in ensuring the reduction of illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
He said limited budget might make the agency not to be effective in performing its duties.
‘’I am not sure the agency has done enough, it needs more funds because when you look at the drug issue, it still needs to be seriously tackled.
Esangbedo attributed the use of illicit drugs by the youth to family backgrounds and poor home training.
‘’Lack of family culture and values can be said to be the bane of illicit drugs by youths in the society,’’ he said.
Mr Abayomi Davies, a father and a businessman, urged parents to give children good moral upbringing to reduce peer influence on them, which might lead them to indulge in drug use.