Emeka Idimogu, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency, on Thursday told parents, teachers and civil organisations that they had major roles to play in curbing abuse of drugs in the society.
Idimogu said this while addressing his constituents at the constituency stakeholders’ meeting held at Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos.
The theme of the stakeholders’ meeting was “Increasing Wave of Drug Abuse: A Threat to Nation Building’’.
According to him, there is a dangerous trend of drug abuse in our society.
He decried the menace of drug abuse in the country.
He, therefore, advised parents to do more in ensuring that their children did not get involved in drug abuse.
While answering questions from the audience, Idimogu promised members of his constituency that more roads would be rehabilitated in the area.
He said, “There is the recruitment of teachers going on in the state at the moment.’’
He, therefore, advised principals of various schools to go to the ministry and make requests for teachers so that teachers would be posted to their schools after the recruitment exercise.
According to him, this will help to reduce the shortage of teachers in schools.
“Do not sit down and complain. Make efforts and request for teachers from the ministry,’’ he said.
Idimogu also advised members of the public to report to the appropriate authorities anyone seen selling illicit drugs
He advised graduates seeking employment to start up small businesses and be self-employed instead of wasting time looking for white-collar jobs.
A staff member of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs Module Adeosun, in her speech, said drug abuse had affected public health, national and economic development.
According to her, drug abuse has made the task of nation-building very difficult to accomplish.
“It is saddening to know that some people aged 15 to 64, use at least one psychoactive substance excluding alcohol and tobacco.
“This age bracket represents the active workforce. Unfortunately, most of them have engaged in one substance abuse or another, thereby gradually diminishing in vigour, mental and physical health and productivity.
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“Most of these people constitute threats to the peace and stability of the society,” Adeosun said.
She, however, advised the government to create more job opportunities for youths.
Adeosun also urged the government to allocate more funds to drug-related agencies to increase the fight against drug abuse.
Mrs Yetunde Sherifat, a Lagos State Town Planner Agent, advised members of the public to ensure that they visit town planning offices in their district for advice before buying landed properties.
She said, “It is very important to get building plan approval before constructing any building in Lagos to avoid it being demolished due to bad plan or site.”
