In a recent development, the Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to young adults, particularly teenagers and youth, regarding the perilous consequences of succumbing to peer pressure, which can lead them into engaging in illegal activities, including drug usage and trafficking. Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasised the correlation between peer pressure and drug and substance abuse, addiction, misuse, and illicit trafficking, especially prevalent within the younger demographic.

“Peers play a significant role in our lives, especially in late childhood and adolescence; however, negative peer pressure with regards to misuse and abuse of drugs and substances, as well as trafficking of the same, comes with a lot of burden and negative consequences”, he said.

During a school awareness and sensitization program organised in Lagos to commemorate the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dr. Ogboye, represented by Mrs. Oyebisi Omolanbe, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, shed light on the vulnerability of individuals, particularly teenagers and young adults, who may face coercion and compulsion to partake in drug abuse.

“We are here to sensitize, educate, and empower young minds with information that will help them make the right choices. Knowledge, they say, is power, so having the right information about the abuse of drugs and substances and how to stay clear of it cannot be overemphasized.

“Drug and substance abuse can affect every aspect of a child’s life and also have a negative effect on society. So the earlier we nip it in the bud, the better for our youth and society, he said.

The event, arranged by the Lagos State Interministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, underscored the vital importance of equipping young people with the necessary tools to resist the influence of peer pressure, steer clear of drug abuse, and assert their independence. Dr. Ogboye stressed the significance of sensitizing, educating, and empowering young minds with accurate information to enable them to make informed choices and avoid the severe repercussions associated with substance abuse.

In his address, Dr. Ogboye expressed concerns about the wide-ranging impact of drug and substance abuse, not only on the lives of children but also on society at large. Prompt intervention and prevention are crucial for the well-being of the youth and the betterment of society as a whole.

The Y2023 UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has adopted the commemorative theme “People First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” Dr. Ogboye emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the mental health of citizens, stressing that combating drug abuse is a collective responsibility shared by everyone. He advocated for treating addicts and individuals struggling with substance abuse as patients in need of medical care, rather than as criminals. However, he firmly stated that suppliers and distributors should face criminal consequences for their actions

“So this year’s theme is people-centered. Addicts and people who abuse drugs and substances should not be treated as criminals but as patients. We should see them as sick. The way you treat any other patient is the way they should be treated. But for the suppliers, the distributors, they should be treated as criminals”, Ogboye said..

Dr. Ogboye entrusted all stakeholders with the task of developing targeted strategies and implementing well-thought-out interventions that specifically address the needs of youths and young adults, in order to achieve the necessary developmental goals for a drug-free society. He argued that the awareness program organized for schoolchildren provided a valuable platform to share factual information about the dangers of drug abuse and equip them with essential skills to resist such temptations.

Dr. Oluseyi Odewale, the event’s facilitator, further emphasized the detrimental effects of drug abuse on the developing brains of young individuals. Given that their brains are still maturing, the introduction of substances can lead to severe damage and dependency, impairing their judgment and negatively impacting their interactions within society.

This recent warning from the Lagos State Government serves as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need to address peer pressure and drug abuse among the youth. By raising awareness, fostering education, and empowering young individuals, the government aims to enable informed decision-making and promote a drug-free society.