The Southeast Educational Vanguard, an NGO, has urged southeast governors to engage youths and Civil Society Organisations to check the abuse of crystal methamphetamine.
Executive Director of the NGO, Mr. Hyginus Udensi, said the abuse of crystal methamphetamine, locally known as “Mkpurumiri’’ (soluble crystals) was causing great havoc in communities in the region.
Enugu on Tuesday that it behooved all stakeholders, especially governors as leaders in the zone to secure the future of youths.
He lamented the increasing number of methamphetamine-abusing youths, especially in Anambra, where many were being ravaged by the misadventure.
“The use of the dreadful, life-threatening substance is regarded by some ignorant youths as the norm; a way of life and power-enhancer as it gives a sense of false courage to intimidate others.
“It will be a step in the right direction if government involved youths and Civil Society Organisations to wage a war against the sale and consumption of the deadly substance.
“If the situation is not arrested immediately, it will create an obstacle to the actualization of the full potentials of our youth.
“It will retard the socioeconomic and political advancement of the southeast and will also increase crimes, abnormal behaviours, youth restiveness and even psychiatric problem in youths,’’ Udensi said.
He observed that more than 50 percent of leaders of youth groups in communities in the southeast had waged war against drug abuse but the rate of usage kept increasing.
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Udensi said it was necessary for governments in the region to invite the NDLEA to aggressively educate youths on the consequences of the sale and consumption of hard drugs and the destructive tendencies.
“Worthy of note is that NDLEA should as well train trainers to intensify the campaign against drug abuse.
“The battle calls for a wise and unique solution; use of persuasion, diplomacy, tactfulness, and dynamic corrections without condemnation.
“It is of our view that youth empowerment by the government would significantly stem the tide of drug abuse and misuse,’’ Udensi stressed. (NAN)
