The former president President Olusegun Obasanjo urged individuals grappling with addiction to come forward and seek assistance rather than conceal their struggles, emphasizing the dire consequences associated with drug abuse, including premature death.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made a heartfelt appeal to young Africans, urging them to steer clear of drug abuse, a perilous habit that can drastically undermine their lives. Speaking at the second edition of the “Fly Above The High” sensitisation programme on drug abuse, hosted by the Recovery Advocacy Network at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Obasanjo underscored the increasing problem of drug use across sub-Saharan Africa.
“It’s a common misconception that Africa serves merely as a transit point for narcotics illicitly transported from Latin America. In reality, drug consumption within Africa has escalated, deteriorating over the past decade,” Obasanjo remarked during the event on Saturday.
The former president urged individuals grappling with addiction to come forward and seek assistance rather than conceal their struggles, emphasizing the dire consequences associated with drug abuse, including premature death.
Recounting his tenure as Chairman of the West African Drug Commission—an initiative under the Kofi Annan Foundation—Obasanjo shared disheartening findings: “We journeyed through West Africa with the belief that the region was relatively unscathed by drug problems primarily originating in Latin America. Yet, we were profoundly saddened to discover that West Africa had evolved into a major consumer hub for drugs in a highly detrimental manner.”
He noted that these revelations, made over a decade ago, are still relevant today, cautioning that the growing issue of drug abuse is not confined to West Africa but affects all of Africa.
Obasanjo also shared a personal tragedy involving a cousin whose life was tragically cut short due to drug-related issues, despite numerous attempts at rehabilitation. “Addiction is akin to a disease. Certain diseases can’t be fully cured but can be managed. Individuals battling addiction should not be ashamed; instead, they must seek help before it’s too late,” he advised.
He called upon society to extend its support to those facing addiction, stating, “A simple word of prayer can serve as a pivotal turning point for them.”
Dr. Kunle Adesina, President of the Recovery Advocacy Network, stressed the importance of heightened awareness campaigns addressing drug and substance abuse. “The purpose of this gathering is to inform young people about the dangers of drugs. Psychoactive substances, regardless of how benign they may appear, can have devastating consequences. Prevention is crucial,” Adesina stated.
He shared alarming statistics indicating that 14.3 million Nigerians had experimented with some form of substance in the last six months, with one out of five users being female. He advocated for stricter laws and a unified approach to combat drug abuse.
Additionally, mental health expert Dr. Sam Abah delivered a lecture titled “Rewired for Dependency: How Drug Use Affects the Brain,” where he outlined the damaging impact of drugs on brain health, highlighting that addiction can severely compromise the lives of individuals. “Avoid drugs,” he urged, “to protect the promising future that lies ahead of you. If you’ve already begun using, stop immediately and seek assistance.”
The event also featured Dr. Abubakar Salami, Vice President of the Recovery Advocacy Network and a former drug addict, who shared his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction through faith and perseverance. “With God’s help, I turned my life around. To those struggling with drug use, turn to God and remain resolute in your determination to break free from addiction,” Salami encouraged.
The gathering concluded with renewed calls for collective community efforts, stricter regulations, and steadfast support for those attempting to reclaim their lives from the grips of addiction.
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