Lawmaker Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drugs

A member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Ibrahim Owolabi, has advised youths to avoid use of illicit drugs and stop criminal activities across the country.
Owolabi, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency, gave the advice during the 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos yesterday.
The Tide source reports that the theme of this year’s meeting is: “Increasing Wave of Drug Abuse, A Threat to Nation Building”.
Owolabi described drug abuse as use of illicit drugs, prescription or over-the-counter drugs for wrong medical purposes or when used in excessive amount that was harmful to an individual.
He said the abuse of drugs was fast becoming prevalent amongst adults, especially the youth.
He noted that drug abuse had been identified as having devastating effect on safety and progress of the society.
“Apart from its negative social effects such as violent crimes, disruption of the family, child abuse and neglect, as well as unemployment, it has been associated with some other criminal behaviour,” he said.
Owolabi said the effects included gang formation, cultism, armed robbery, rape and other social disturbances.
“There are also the economic and health effects such as loss of job, dropping out of school, stealing and complicated health issues such as persistent nausea, changes in appetite, weight loss, liver damage, seizures, stroke, mental confusion, memory loss, brain damage and lung disease.
“All the effects of drug abuse have far-reaching consequences on both government spending and public safety.