Expert urges schools to establish drug-free clubs
“Secondary schools should bring back the culture of sporting activities and competitions like the annual inter-house sports and football competition.”
A former Deputy Commander-General of Narcotics, Abdul Momodu, on Monday urged schools across the country to establish drug-free clubs in order to end drug abuse and crime among youth.
Momodu made the call while delivering a paper on ‘Drugs, Youths and Crime’, at a one -day public lecture organised by Zone F, Zonal Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He said:”Secondary schools should revive the Boys’ Scout, Girls’ Guide and the Red Cross Societies; this will help our youths to develop the culture of service and leadership.
“Secondary schools should bring back the culture of sporting activities and competitions like the annual inter-house sports and football competition.”
Momodu explained that low socio-economic status,early separation from parents,peer pressure as well as poor school attendance were some of the factors contributing to youth involvement in crime.
According to him, illicit drugs have different impacts on the mind and body, affecting individuals to varying degrees.
He added that psycho-pharmacological studies have found out that illicit drugs were associated with aggression.
Momodu called for the establishment of state and local government drug abuse control committees, which would collaborate with the NDLEA for purpose and results.
While speaking, the Emir of Zazzau , Amb. Ahmad Nuhu- Bamalli, commended NDLEA’s effort in tackling drug abuse especially with their stop and search initiative conducted on major roads.
Represented by Alhaji Sambo Magajin, the Chigarin Yamman Zazzau, the emir urged parents to be close to their wards so as to know the friends they keep.