Parental Involvement in the War on Drug Abuse Is Necessary

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has stressed the importance of involving parents in tackling drug abuse and trafficking among children.

He stated that if a decisive step is to be taken to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria, parents must be actively involved, stressing that they are crucial in combating the tide of drugs.

Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Yisa Ashiru, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a joint sensitization program of the Senate and House of Representatives on drugs and narcotics.

He urged parents to wake up to the challenge of protecting the future of their children.

The programme, organized in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring (NANDRUM), saw the attendance of schoolchildren, stakeholders and civil society organisations.

Speaking on the theme “Inclusion of parents in the fight against drug abuse and reckless behavior,” the Senate President stated that the involvement of parents in the fight is crucial.

“Tackling the threat and epidemic of drug abuse from the home front would benefit society.

“Involving parents in the fight against drug abuse takes the fight to the grassroots and tackles the problem directly from the home front as those who indulge in it come from different families before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers.”

According to him, there can be no better legacy than parents guiding their wards in the right way to achieve their great future; Therefore, showing a carefree attitude when there are signs of drug abuse by children at home means total destruction of their lives.

“I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination, as the greatest gift a parent can give to children is not wealth, but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity and the gift of courage.

“Let us equip our children with the necessary tools they need to face life’s challenges without falling victim to the dangers of substance abuse.”