BY CHUWANG DUNGS
The Grace Thomas Foundation has urged parents to educate their children and wards against drug abuse to reduce the risk of mental illnesses and other risky behaviours.
The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Rejoice Wesley, said this on Monday during a Women and Family Drug Education Program in Jalingo the Taraba State capital.
The event’s theme is “The Role of Family in Drug Abuse Prevention.”
Mrs Wesley said the mission of the foundation is to transform the lives of women and youth facing mental health and drug abuse challenges.
“We are committed to providing comprehensive support through counseling. rehabilitation, mentorship, and skills training.
She, however, identified parents as critical to the fight against rising drug addiction among different age groups, especially children, saying that young people who persistently abused substances often experienced problems.
She noted that those who were not properly informed were at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviours and experimenting with drugs.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a supportive and stigma-free community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“Drug use is an issue that transcends boundaries and can affect any family, regardless of socio-economic status, religious beliefs, or educational background.
“When drug use is discovered within a family, it often leads to considerable stress, conflicts, and a pervasive sense of helplessness.
“The associated shame can cause both the family and the individual using drugs to deny the problem, further complicating the path to recovery and support.
“Recognizing these challenges, the 2024 Women and Family Drug Education Program (WOFADEP) has been organized by The Grace Thomas Foundation in collaboration with the Christopher Oghogho Foundation.
“This initiative aims to tackle the problem of drug abuse from a family perspective, emphasizing the crucial role that families can play in preventing drug use.
“The program’s objectives are to raise awareness about the dangers and repercussions of drug and substance abuse among young people, stimulate discussions on prevention strategies, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of effective policies in Nigeria.
“WOFADEP is set to bring together 200 families, along with key stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, Religious bodies within Jalingo the State Capital of Taraba.
“The aim is to assess the ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse, share best practices from around the world, and develop a unified approach to tackling this issue.
“The workshop will culminate in the production of a communiqué and position paper, which will outline potential solutions to reduce drug abuse and related crimes.
“These documents will be submitted to regulatory authorities for consideration and action, ensuring that the insights and recommendations from the workshop contribute to broader policy and societal changes.
