The National Association of Seadogs (a.k.a. Pyrates Confraternity), Honduras Deck (Anambra State Chapter) has warned the youths to desist from the consumption of illegal drug substances including drug abuse, and addiction.
Mr Nonso Oguejiofor, the President of the association made the call during the group’s annual feast of Barracuda Lecture with theme: “Youths and the Menace of Drug Abuse” held in Awka, last Saturday.
While delivering his opening remark noted that the Feast of Barracuda is a special period when members of the confratenity engage the general public on vital social issues.
He frowned at the rate at which the youths engage in crimes just to get money and acquire these substances which are banned due to its negative effect on humans. These drugs ranging from cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, or any other substance whether liquid or solid have destroyed many young individuals in the society.
According to the Cap’n, such causes of youths engaging in drug abuse could be as a result of peer pressure, parental or society neglect, unemployment, among others. He noted that the society is no longer safe as these drugs have gone beyond the market dealings but substances found within are being consumed by these youths.
While calling on the government, international organisations, NGOs, individuals who are interested in health to support the fight against the use of illicit substances.
Speaking, Public Affairs Officer the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Anambra state Command, Mr Chris Adabo noted that drug abuse is an enemy of successful and bright future among the youths.it kills both body and mind, drains one income and leads to so many embarrassment. Some have sold properties, values trust bestowed on them just to satisfy their urge or habit of taking drugs.
Mr Adabo stressed that people who abuse drugs are likely to experience negative consequences such as drug use disorder, while urging the youths to develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances, seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor who will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms, develop goals and dreams for your future that will help you focus on what you want and help you realize that drugs and alcohol will simply hinder you from achieving your goals, among others.
Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Dr Tochukwu Okeke, advised the youths to shun all manner of illicit drug use and abuse but direct their time and energy towards learning vocational skills, ICTs, including venturing into agricultural practices as a means of improving livelihoods.
However, questions and answer sessions were held during the event, as well as the winning and dinning barbecue fishes as a way of celebrating the memorable “Feast of Barracuda” as practiced in the days of yore.
Present at the event were the clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Mrs Chineyenwa Ifedigbo Felicitas, Student Union Governments, youth leaders and experts interested in public health among others.