ABUJA/Nigeria: The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has intensified its campaign against substance abuse among young people, taking its anti-drug awareness drive to Benford International School, Abuja, where students were educated on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making responsible life choices.
The sensitisation programme, held on Monday, formed part of NACAT’s broader efforts to promote a drug-free society and curb the growing incidence of substance abuse among adolescents.
Addressing students, teachers and school administrators during the interactive session, NACAT’s Operations Manager, Stanley Ugagbe, described substance abuse as one of the greatest threats facing young people, warning that it continues to destroy lives, undermine academic aspirations and jeopardise future opportunities.
Ugagbe stressed that drug abuse is not limited to the use of illicit substances such as cocaine and heroin, noting that the misuse of prescription medications, including codeine-based cough syrups and other controlled drugs, also constitutes substance abuse.
He explained that many young people often begin experimenting with drugs through seemingly harmless situations, particularly under pressure from friends or in a bid to improve academic performance.
According to him, a student struggling with examination pressure could easily become dependent on stimulants introduced by peers under the false belief that such substances enhance concentration and academic success.
He warned that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond physical health, affecting mental wellbeing, academic performance, behaviour and future prospects.
“Drugs do not just destroy bodies; they distort destinies,” Ugagbe told the students, urging them to guard against influences capable of derailing their ambitions.
The NACAT official identified peer pressure as a major factor driving substance abuse among teenagers, noting that many young people are introduced to drugs through a desire to gain acceptance or fit into certain social circles.
He said peer influence often comes in subtle forms, including statements such as “Everybody is doing it” or “Just try it once,” adding that many youths make regrettable decisions because they fear being rejected by their peers.
Ugagbe advised the students to develop the confidence to reject negative influences by learning to say “No” firmly, avoiding unhealthy environments, choosing friends wisely and seeking guidance from trusted adults, including parents, teachers and counsellors.
He further encouraged them to remain focused on their future goals, stressing that discipline and sound decision-making were essential to achieving success.
Earlier, NACAT’s Programme Manager, Joy Tomo, shared real-life stories of individuals whose lives had been devastated by substance abuse. She highlighted the far-reaching social, economic and emotional consequences suffered by victims and their families, reinforcing the need for young people to stay away from drugs.
In his remarks, the Principal of Benford International School, Mr Mika Nuhu, commended NACAT for bringing the awareness campaign to the school, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
He expressed confidence that the lessons learnt during the programme would help students make informed choices and avoid behaviours that could negatively affect their future.
The event ended with students pledging to remain drug-free and serve as advocates of positive values among their peers, while NACAT reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with schools and communities in the fight against substance abuse and other social vices.
