Empowering Nigeria Youth to Curb Substance Abuse

The recent investigative report released by the BBC confirmed what we at HEI already knew, that the drug abuse by youths in Nigeria is widespread and even on the rise.
There are different kinds of drugs that are commonly abused in Nigeria according to NAFDAC, and Haladu (A.A, 2003) named them as including:
? Stimulants: Especially those found in substances containing caffeine
? Hallocinogens: Marijuana (popularly called Igbo)
? Narcotics such as those found in Codeine, heroine
? Sedatives: Such as valium, alcohol, opium
? Other sources: Examples include glues, perfumes, spot removers, etc.

The major group of people as cited by the BBC (BBC, 2018) are youths, defined in Nigeria to be between the ages of 18 and 35. This poses a major problem for an already struggling economy as this age group form part of the productive part of the population. The long term effects are enormous, with every sector of the economy affected.
The government’s response to the epidemic is shutting down pharmacies and banning imports and sales of specific products that are commonly abused. However, a more strategic approach is necessary to ensure a lasting solution to this negative phenomenon.
It is response to this that HEI is launching the initiative “Empowering Youth Leaders to Curb Substance Abuse in Nigeria”, which seeks to address the issue of substance abuse by empowering youth leaders. Teenage and youth leaders are targeted because of their strategic roles in influencing their peers. HEI believes that when this target group are empowered, they will influence their peers positively.