National Association of Seadog (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, Rivers State chapter 1 and 2 in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Saturday, sensitised residents of Rivers State on the danger of drug abuse.
Speaking during the sensitisation programme at the Rumumasi Ultra-Modern Market, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, Capoon, Olympus Marino Deck of NAS, Ilochi Nnamdi, said the group embarked on the awareness walk across cities in the State to shine a national spotlight on a crisis that continues to steal the future of millions of our children, saying that the growing number of out-of-school children and the alarming rise in drug abuse among vulnerable youth.
Nnamdi noting that Nigeria holds the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world, said “These children, denied access to quality education, are being pushed to the margins of society, exposed to street life, child labour, exploitation, and hopelessness.
“Education is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. It is the most powerful tool we can use to break the cycle of poverty, ignorance, and violence. Every child left behind is a future lost, and a danger to the stability of our society”.
He noted that the campaign was a national and international event to create awareness on the plight of out of school children and the menace of drug abuse among vulnerable youths.
He therefore urged the government to prioritize free and compulsory basic education, increase budgetary allocation to the education sector, partner with community-based organisations to bring education to the streets, and create alternative learning pathways for displaced and street-involved children.
Nnamdi said “Compounding this crisis is the growing scourge of drug abuse. Vulnerable youths, many of them out of school and unemployed, are falling prey to drug peddlers who exploit their desperation. The consequences are visible in the rise of mental health issues, crime, insecurity, and the decay of moral values in our society”.
Nnamdi assured that as members of the NAS, “we will not sit back while our youths are swallowed by the streets and substances. We will continue to raise our voices, organise, advocate, and partner with all willing stakeholders until every child is in school, every youth is safe, and every life is given the chance to thrive”.
On his part, Capoon, Barracuda X Deck, NAS, Ejiro Akudihor, noted that the future of Nigeria’s youth depends on the collective resolve of every Nigerian. He agreed with Nnamdi that “Out-of-school children, vulnerable youths exploited by drug lords, and a rising tide of violence threaten to drown the hopes of a generation”, which he said is not just a crisis, but a call to arms.
Akudihor further urged leaders in the society to prioritize funding for free, quality education and youth rehabilitation programs. He continued that communities and civil society must unite, raise awareness, and provide safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and heal.
He also urged “Parents and guardians to demand accountability, offer guidance, and champion their children’s right to a brighter future”, adding that every Nigerian should recognise that collective action is the only way forward.
Chief Superintendent Nwogu Stephen of NDLEA who spoke with journalists during the awareness walk, advised Rivers residents to steer clear of illicit drugs, and mentioned the impact of the drug abuse which include mental instability, loss of resources, crime, and others.
He explained “We are patterning with the National Association of Seadogs because their activities in campaigning and telling the people about the drug abuse happens to be one of our cardinal aims and objectives on setting up NDLEA. So, we collaborate with them to campaign, sensitise the people on the dangers of drug abuse.
We have been carrying the campaign through the nooks and cranes of Rivers State. The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative by the Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brigadier General Bubama Awa has gone a long way to make sure that the drug abuse incidences are reduced to minimal level”.
Nwogu revealed that “Apart from arresting, we have the rehabilitation side. In that place we rehabilitate, sensitise them, make them come back to normalcy and reintegrate them into the society and their families.
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