NAFDAC Takes Campaign to Nnewichi, Warns Students Against Substance Abuse, others

By Lawrence Ndubeze

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Thursday, took its sensitization campaign to Nnewichi, a community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where it warned secondary school students against the dangers of substance abuse and other harmful practices.

The campaign was part of NAFDAC’s efforts to educate the public particularly the younger generation on the importance of safe practices for a fulfilling and healthy living.

Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC who addressed students and teachers of Nnewichi Community Secondary School emphasized the dangers of substance abuse, particularly among young people.

She warned that the abuse of substances such as tramadol, codeine, and other controlled drugs could lead to serious health problems, including addiction, mental health disorders, and even death.

The DG, who was represented by Pharm. Louis Madubuattah, Deputy Director and Coordinator of NAFDAC in Anambra, also stated that substance abuse could affect their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being and life achievement.

She urged them to stay free of drug abuse. “Students should resist peer pressure, develop hobbies, take only prescribed medication, concentrate on their study and do not experiment with hard drugs.

“You must develop alcohol drinking refusal skills because of the consequences of alcoholism,  you must learn to resist the urge to engage in alcohol drinking because once you start, you may not be able to stop,” she said.

Madubuatta said NAFDAC was taking the campaign against drug abuse to the grass roots by re-establishing NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) in secondary schools.

He said the agency would collaborate with the school teachers to work with students to catch-them-young and prevent life of addiction and destruction.

In her brief remark, the Principal of the school, Ngozi Egbumine, lauded NAFDAC’s initiative to enlighten students on the perils of substance abuse. She lamented the devastating impact of drug misuse on society, stressing that it was imperative for collective action to combat the scourge.