Sokoto: The Senate Clerk Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Sokoto State, on Thursday sensitised students of Sultan Bello Secondary School to the dangers of drug abuse and cultism.
Alhaji Isa Garba, Chairman of the committee, described the initiative as a clarion call to students and youths, given the alarming rise in drug abuse among schoolchildren.
“This initiative is aimed at securing a brighter future for our country and our children, who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
“Today, we are not only here to sensitise the schoolchildren but also to educate the public on the serious consequences of drug abuse,” he said.
Garba stressed that the growing prevalence of drug abuse in society motivated the committee’s involvement in annual awareness campaigns.
“We have found that many people are still unaware of the dangers of addiction and the significant impact it has on public safety and security,” he added.
Garba urged the students to take advantage of the programme by educating their peers, families, and communities with the knowledge gained.
Also speaking was Mr Adamu Iro, the NDLEA Commander in the state, who commended the committee’s efforts in combating drug-related issues, especially among students.
He cautioned pupils against consuming drugs without a doctor’s prescription, warning of the adverse effects on their health and academics.
The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Murtala Abubakar, acknowledged the efforts of the committee and the NDLEA in organising the campaign.
Ladan called for continued collaboration and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to partner with relevant agencies to implement initiatives combating drug abuse and cultism in schools.
“The Sokoto State Government is committed to supporting efforts aimed at eradicating drug abuse and cultism among youths in the state,” he emphasised.
Earlier in the event, Mrs Joan Jochebed, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), presented a paper titled ‘Consequences of Drug Abuse and Cultism’.
She called for decisive action by authorities to address the menace, particularly in schools.
Jochebed highlighted how drug abuse continues to lure students into cultism and other criminal activities that endanger societal peace.
