The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Drug abuse

  • NGO warns against drug abuse, cybercrimes among students

    NGO warns against drug abuse, cybercrimes among students

    The International Veterinary Vaccinology Network, (IVVN), African Schools Outreach Programme, Nigeria has warned students against engaging in drug abuse and cyber crimes.

    IVVN said drug abuse and cyber crimes can make students lose focus and hindered their dream of becoming leaders of tomorrow.

    Speaking while addressing students of Isale Oyo Community High School, a lecturer at the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Dr. Funmilayo Afolayan, who is also IVVN Nigeria Coordinator, maintained that consequences of drug abuse and cybercrime were enormous.

    She lamented the rate at which students particularly those in public schools engaged in the menace is alarming which should be tackled before it get out of hand.

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    He urged some of them already into the menace to speak out and seek help from their teachers, parents, or guardians.

    She also called on the students particularly girls to develop interest in science, adding that parents also needs to encourage and make provision for their children have more love for science.

    She thanked Oyo Commissioner of Education Prof. Salihu Adelabu for creating enabling environment for quality and adequate education to thrive.

    She however called on government at all levels to put more fund in education and refurbish laboratories in schools across the nation, saying state of laboratories in some schools has become worrisome.

    Principal, Isale Oyo Community School 1, Ademola Majekodunmi said education should not be left alone in hands of government, saying NGOs, civil society organisations and well meaning Nigerians also need to contribute their own quota to the progress of education across the nation.

  • Two Nigerian students develop news driven analytical system for drug abuse management

    Two Nigerian students develop news driven analytical system for drug abuse management

    In a pioneering effort, two researchers from the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow have devised an advanced news analysis system to tackle Nigeria’s prevalent drug abuse problem.

    Mutiu Iyanda Lasisi and Mustapha Adeniyi Adeitan, both master’s students specializing in Critical Media Studies and Population and Development, conducted an exhaustive analysis of media coverage spanning from 2016 to 2020.

    Their study uncovered various concerns voiced by stakeholders regarding illicit drug use and the misuse of prescription medications.

    The duo not only presented descriptive findings but also devised a comprehensive news analysis system comprising two key components.

    The first component centres on stakeholders’ concerns and identifies the specific narcotics mentioned, allowing for precise quantification of these issues to inform targeted interventions.

    The second component integrates intervention programs tied to stakeholder roles and city-specific initiatives, all subject to regular monitoring and reviews for heightened effectiveness.

    Initiating with control agencies, security bodies, government entities, NGOs, and others, the system centres on identifying concerns related to drug abuse and the narcotics involved.

    This information becomes a focal point for parents and guardians to collaboratively address the highlighted concerns, employing strategies for prevention and support.

    Four pivotal intervention programs emerge from this strategy – the Social Welfare Programme (SWP), the Public Awareness Campaign (PAC), Law Reforms (LR), and the Health Education Initiative (HEI). Operating in sequence, they propose a comprehensive approach to combat drug abuse, starting with establishing social welfare support systems (SWP), followed by public awareness campaigns (PAC), potential legislative reforms (LR), and concluding with health education initiatives (HEI).

    Mutiu Lasisi, the lead researcher, notes that crucially, these interventions can be implemented jointly, especially in complex locations where individual strategies may fall short.

    The success of this transformative approach hinges on an integrated, collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, emphasizing problem identification, strategic implementation, and a nuanced understanding of local circumstances.

    The researchers’ proposed system stands as a robust strategy framework, signaling hope for a concerted and effective battle against drug abuse in Nigeria.

    Adeitan added: “Our intention is to expand the product by developing a mobile app that will assist state and non-state actors in addressing the problem in real-time, leveraging daily media coverage of the issue. This will remove the delay in obtaining relevant data for making informed decisions on the control and containment of illegal drug flows and abuse in Nigeria.

    Speaking on the news analytical system, the lead researcher, Lasisi said they developed an analytical system that included identifying concerns expressed and narcotics mentioned by stakeholders during the study period to develop tailored interventions in cities, towns, states, and regions.

    He said: “The system consists of two components. As previously said, the first component focuses on stakeholders’ concerns and narcotics mentioned in regard to the highlighted concerns, which the researchers have already quantified.

    Read Also: Drug abuse: Nigeria’s silent epidemic

    “The second component consists of intervention programmes linked with stakeholder roles and city-focused initiatives, which are anticipated to be regularly monitored and reviewed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of drug abuse and misuse management.

    “The process begins with control agencies, security agencies, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, and others. Their primary role is to identify concerns related to drug abuse and the specific narcotics involved. Identified concerns and narcotics should serve as a central point of information that informs the actions of parents and guardians.

    “They are expected to take this information and, through collaboration, help to address the concerns raised by the stakeholders. This could involve strategies to prevent drug abuse and to support those affected.

    “The outcome of the collaboration between parents and guardians leads to the development of city-specific strategies. These strategies are tailored to address the identified concerns and narcotics in a particular urban or rural area.”

  • Drug abuse: Nigeria’s silent epidemic

    Drug abuse: Nigeria’s silent epidemic

    By Abdullahi Yola

    SIR: In the midst of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, an insidious pandemic quietly infiltrates our communities, threatening the very fabric of our nation. The Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum and the Senate, in separate but harmonious declarations, have sounded the alarm on the disturbing rise of drug abuse and trafficking, calling for a decisive and urgent state of emergency.

    As the nation grapples with this silent epidemic, the question is: Is Nigeria ready to confront the harsh realities of a burgeoning drug crisis?

    With an estimated 14.3 million drug users in the country, according to recent reports, the scale of the problem cannot be overstated. These aren’t just statistics; these are lives unravelling, futures dimming, and a nation at risk of losing its youth to the clutches of addiction. The proliferation of drugs within our borders, fuelled by porous entry points, transforms Nigeria into a transit hub for traffickers, exacerbating an already dire situation.

    Reports indicate that in the last three years alone, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized over 7,500 tons of narcotics, a staggering figure that should send shockwaves through the conscience of every right-thinking member of our society. This unprecedented haul is not merely a testament to the vigilance of the new NDLEA, it is a chilling revelation of the sheer volume of drugs circulating within our borders.

    The call for a state of emergency is not just a plea for attention; it is a desperate cry for action. The consequences of inaction are too severe to ignore. Drug abuse has become intricately linked to the rising tide of criminality, school dropouts, social and health issues, and the alarming surge in violent extremism, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. It is not just a public health concern; it is a threat to our national security, our economy, and the very essence of our society.

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    The porous borders, which facilitate the unhindered influx of narcotics, demand immediate attention and a strategic approach to bolster our national security. The NDLEA’s efforts, commendable as they are, cannot stand alone; they need the full support of the federal and state governments. The governors’ wives rightly advocate for the declaration of a state of emergency as a means to mobilize the necessary resources for a coordinated and effective response.

    It is not just about arresting traffickers and seizing drugs; it is about addressing the root causes, fostering good parenting, and dismantling the social and economic structures that perpetuate drug abuse. The proposal to establish standard drug rehabilitation centres across the nation, particularly in each senatorial zone, underscores the need for accessible and stigma-free treatment for those grappling with addiction.

    The call for a state of emergency on drug abuse is a potential turning point that echoes the urgency needed to wrest our nation from the clutches of this silent epidemic. Such a declaration signifies a seismic shift, a departure from the lethargy that has allowed the drug menace to fester unchecked. It is a clarion call to transcend bureaucratic entanglements and confront the issue head-on, mobilizing unprecedented resources and national resolve.

    As we confront this silent epidemic, the narrative must shift from condemnation to compassion. Drug abuse is a symptom of deeper societal issues, and any solution must involve a holistic and empathetic approach. The senators’ suggestion to include drug education as a compulsory subject in Nigeria’s basic education is a step in the right direction, acknowledging that prevention is as crucial as intervention.

    Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and the decision to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse is not just an administrative formality; it is a moral imperative. Our future as a nation hinges on our ability to confront this silent epidemic head-on, with unity, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people. The time to act is now, for inaction would be a disservice to the generations that look to us for leadership and guidance.

    • Abdullahi Yola, Jimeta, Adamawa state

  • Experts, enforcement agencies chart way forward as Kwara holds summit on drug abuse

    Experts, enforcement agencies chart way forward as Kwara holds summit on drug abuse

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday said his administration is deploying different strategies and investing in people-oriented programmes that encourage young people to follow noble paths and avoid drug abuse and other social vices in the state.

    The Governor was speaking in Ilorin at the 1st Kwara Stakeholders Summit on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control with the theme: “Forging a common front in the fight against drug abuse”.

    The summit was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, Hon. Aileru Olamilekan Mukail.

    Attended by dozens of young people and keynoted by different experts on narcotics, the programme featured panel discussions, cultural display and drama. 

    Top attendees included Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership Ms Rinsola Abiola; state parliamentarians, cabinet members, and top government officials.

    The Governor said the session was designed to interact, examine, and make attempts at proffering solutions to the social problem.

    “We understand that drug abuse has different roots, including idleness and lack of direction in life. It is for this reason that we are deploying different strategies to prevent crimes,” he said. 

    “Our investments in people-oriented interventions in the past four years are designed to create the enabling environment where our youth are gainfully engaged and involved in productive endeavors.

    “The establishment of the Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, Garment Factory, Film Factory, Shea Butter Factory, continuous support for the IVTEC, Kwapreneur, and overwhelming support for youth development are meant to achieve similar purposes.” 

    Represented by Commissioner for Social Development Hon. Afolashade Opeyemi, the Governor said the multi-pronged approaches his government deploys are yielding positive results.

    “We are very intentional in the campaign against drug abuse. The recent appointment of Honourable Aileru Olamilekan Mukail as Special Assistant on Drug Abuse and Prevention is expected to drive the process,” the Governor said.

    “At the end of this event, I look forward to a rich communique reflecting robust interactions, suggestions, recommendations, and practical solutions drawn from experts, youth leaders, resource persons, and experienced participants who are attending the summit.”

    Other dignitaries in attendance included the Commander, NDLEA Kwara state and one of the keynote speakers, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim; heads of other security agencies; Executive Director Global Initiatives on Substance Abuse, Dr. Martins Agwogle; youth corpers; and the students.

    Rinsola, for her part, said the disturbing rate of substance abuse in the country requires that all hands must be on deck to tackle the challenge by reducing its prevalence among young people.

    Read Also: Kwara Gov appeals for patience on food, forex crisis

    Explaining the key mandate of her office which includes promoting civil engagement and driving value among the youth, the President’s aide said drug abuse is not only closely linked to severe health risk and risky behaviour, but also hinders abusers from contributing meaningfully to national development.

    “A lot of young people, especially those who have creative talents, claim that cannabis helps them to concentrate and be creative. But what they don’t understand is that 80 percent of psycho-cases related to drug abuse actually come about as a result of using cannabis,” she said, calling for constant sensitisation of drug addicts and young people on the attendant consequences of their act.

    “They also mention that cannabis improves appetite and concentration. But that is in the early stage, because the effect it has later on tends to be disastrous,” she added.

    She commended the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq in combating the social vice through different strategies, saying his office is open for collaboration with the state government to collectively stem the tide of drug abuse in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    Aileru said in his welcome address that the event was another platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and forge concrete action plans, asking all stakeholders to leverage collective wisdom to unravel the roots of drug abuse, develop effective prevention strategies, and ensure accessible treatment and rehabilitation for those struggling. 

    “This summit is not a one-day event; it’s the dawn of a movement — a movement that transcends individual backgrounds, affiliations, and ideologies. It’s about shared purpose, about safeguarding our children, our families, and our future,” he said.

    NDLEA Commander, Kwara State Command, Bashir Ibrahim Muhammed, who spoke on “Drug Law Enforcement in Kwara: Progress, Challenges and Way Forward”, said the alarming rate of drug abuse among the youth in Nigeria and particularly in Kwara State calls for concern of all the stakeholders.

    He thanked AbdulRazaq for his support so far and pledged that the agency will strengthen constant education, enforcement, and rehabilitation programmes to rid the state of drug addiction.

    He said the command will soon commence training of trainers in communities, who he said will comprise community and religious leaders in the state on how to prevent and control drug abuse.

    Dr Agwogie, who spoke on “The journey of drug control in Nigeria: The gaps and way forward,” said it takes a holistic approach to win the fight against substance abuse, suggesting that states and local governments should constitute drug abuse control committees for greater results. 

    He said that rather than just arrest and prosecute offenders, the government at all levels should also inquire into why people abuse drugs.

    The majority of addicts are ignorant about the risk of their indulgence, he added.

    Participants, such as youth corpers and students, took turns to applaud the government for the programme, and observed the need to intensify the sensitisation campaign, introduce stiffer penalties and prohibit celebrities against openly smoking Indian helms, among other measures.

  • Organisation urges concerted effort to tackle drug abuse among youths

    Organisation urges concerted effort to tackle drug abuse among youths

    The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) has urged the government, corporate organizations and well meaning Nigerians to put more effort in the fight against drug abuse in the society.

    Managing Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza, made the call during the flag off of the Youth Alive Drug Abuse, Sensitization, Self-Awareness and Treatment Project in Gbagalape Community, Nyanya Extension, Abuja on Saturday.

    The project, carried out in collaboration with the Soaring Youth Foundation, is targeting the provision of therapy and empowerment for 1000 youths in Abuja by the end of next year.

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    The project was also carried out in partnership with the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Shekinah International Gospel Ministry, Wumba.

    Omeiza said, “We are seeking partnership with relevant agencies to see now they can come in, including well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to see how they can come in to assist these young ones become productive.

    “It is not enough to just train them to get them out of drugs. What is next for them? This is where we are calling on those who mean well for Nigeria to key into this project and empower people who have been rehabilitated. That way they will be well integrated so they don’t go back to the menace.

    “We are faced with terrorism and insecurity. Our productivity as a country is going down by the day and this is a cause for concern. The drivers of development are the youths. So there is no development a nation can boast of or aspire to without youths being in their right minds to develop and then develop Nigeria. That is why this project is of utmost importance and should call naturally those who are interested in Nigeria’s development.

    “If anybody is interested in developing Nigeria, then these are programmes they should invest in. How do you empower someone who is hooked on drugs? So we have to first of all free and rescue their minds from drugs and other maladaptive behaviours that they have brought to themselves or practised in the past so they can discover themselves and use the skills we want to impart on them to become productive.”

    Lead Pastor Shekinah International Gospel Ministry, Pastor Awe Michael, lauded the project, said they were partnering VDACA to tackle the menace of drug abuse to help rescue the youths in the local community from drug addiction and several social vices.

    “Youth Alive Project is a wonderful one. It is a dream come true and we thank God for it.

    We thank God for the approach of detoxification we are having through VGADA. It is a good one because it will help them gain freedom from addiction just like they have confessed that they are willing and ready to relinquish the act of drug addiction. Government and other well meaning Nigerians and organizations can help in facilitating this programme’” he said.

    Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa, lauded VGADA for the initiative.

    “Dr. Hope Omeiza and his team have shown so much commitment to a drug – free society: Their commitment to peace, security and National development has led to what we are having today— Drug Abuse Sensitisation, Self Awareness and Treatment (DASSAT).

    “Like I told the people in Wumba, No nation can fulfill her destiny neither will leadership deliver on mandate under a riotous and directionless youth population.

    “National development is a product of a coordinated effort by all and sundry of which talent harnessing and utilization play A very important role. The role of the youth in this regard can therefore not be over emphasized,” he said.

    A beneficiary of the project, Abdullahi Momoh, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

    “I feel changed and I feel touched because drugs we are talking is not good. We are grateful to the organizers of this programme.

    I encourage other youths to desist from drug abuse,” he said.

  • Drug abuse: Organization targets 1000youths for therapy, empowerment

    Drug abuse: Organization targets 1000youths for therapy, empowerment

    The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) in collaboration with the Soaring Youth Foundation, is targeting the provision of therapy and empowerment for 1000 youths in Abuja by the end of next year.

    Managing Director, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza, disclosed this during the flag-off of the Youth Alive Drug Abuse, Sensitization, Self-Awareness and Treatment Project for Wumba Community in Apo Area of Abuja on yesterday.

    The project was also carried out in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Shekinah International Gospel Ministry, Wumba.

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    Omeizea said there were many people in many hard-to-reach communities that cannot access and afford treatment, “so on that note we felt it is important to get into communities like the Wumba community where we are flagging -off of this programme to ensure that before the end of next year, we can reach 1000 youths in Abuja.”

    He said the project would involve psychological programmes, skills acquisition programmes and social skill programmes. He said beneficiaries would undergo drug test programmes, drug resistance programmes and several programmes of concern that may have triggered their behaviour towards drug abuse.

  • Lagos Island community sensitises youths on drug abuse, vices

    Lagos Island community sensitises youths on drug abuse, vices

    The Olowogbowo Community Association on  Lagos Island has urged youths to be tolerant, eschew social vice and hard drugs.

    The  community staged a walk at the weekend to sensitise people on the need  for peace, harmony and a violence-free community.

    The residents who gathered in their numbers  kick-started the walk at Olowogbowo underbridge through Broad Street,  Marina, CMS, General Hospital Road, to State House,  Onikan inward TBS, to Tinubu Square,among other areas before terminating at  Olowogbowo underbridge where  the residents were entertained.

    Secretary of the association, Alhaji Kolapo Durojaiye said the walk was aimed at sensitising residents on the need to stop thuggery and violence in areas like Idumota, Kosoko, Apongbon, and Davies, among others.

    Read Also: ‘School contests can curb drug abuse, other vices’

    “We engaged in the walk to make peace reign in areas under our community.  Throughout the walk,  security personnel were  on standby, there was no violence and no  casualty was recorded. Smoking and drinking alcohol were not allowed.

    “The walk went well and met our aspirations and projections. The different inscriptions on the  displayed placards  show that we support  government’s fight  against drug abuse, and we  say no to violence,” he said.

    Chairman, Alao Okanlawon Oke-Olowogbo  thanked security personnel for maintaining law and order throughout. He also hailed the residents for their impressive turn out.

    “It provided opportunity to keep fit,  create communal love and understanding  and see   ourselves as one indivisible entity,” he added.

  • ‘School contests can curb drug abuse, other vices’

    ‘School contests can curb drug abuse, other vices’

    Having regular academic contests can help to curb drug abuse, alcoholism and other vices among youths, experts have said.

    Supervisor for Education in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Mrs. Bimpe Doherty, especially noted that the pupils in basic and secondary schools are eagerly looking for ways to fully express themselves.

    She spoke during the fifth Hands and Minds Schools competition held at David Christian Centre. According to her, youths are often forced into substance abuse when they have no platforms to showcase their talents. She therefore called for more intra- and inter-schools competitions.

    She said: “These children are full of energy. They want to be high, they want to belong, that’s why they do drugs and alcohol and even join cults. But they don’t need all that, they can just channel that energy into school competitions like this and be high and happy when they win.

    “This type of event is something that every stakeholder should be involved in, to help our children be able to express themselves in diverse ways because education is beyond the classroom. So we need more of this in our society.

    “Amuwo-Odofin local government is already drawing up plans to create more of this among schools, and it will come through my office. We are already doing part of it, only that we will make it happen in a bigger way to have more impact in the society.”

    Co-founders of Hands & Minds consult, Laurence Ekpe and Iziegbe Ekpe, on the growth of the competition overtime, said: “From 2017 till last year, we only had private schools participating in the competitions. But this time, nine public schools joined in, and we hope that by the next edition, we will see them compete even better.

    Read Also: Dealing with drug abuse among teenagers, youths, adults

    “At H&M Consult, we believe in holistic education. There are a lot of platforms that reward children for academic excellence, but there are children whose talents are not limited to the classrooms, they have the arts and creatives in them, yet there are not enough platforms for them to showcase or harness their talents. And that is why we are doing this.

    Despite all that is going on in the country right now, we want the children to see that there is beauty in diversity, and that we can all come together to make the nation work. We also thank the Grooming Center that has shown great support for this vision over the years.”

    About 32 private and public schools. participated in the event, themed ‘Beauty in Diversity’, and sponsored by microfinance giant, Grooming Centre.

    Representatives participated in dance, music and creative art competitions.

  • Dealing with drug abuse among teenagers, youths, adults

    Dealing with drug abuse among teenagers, youths, adults

    • By Alabi Oluwadare Tunde

    Drug abuse is a pressing societal concern that affects individuals across all age groups, from teenagers to adults. Understanding the causes and exploring effective solutions is critical to combat this growing issue. This article delves into the reasons behind drug abuse among different age groups and offers potential solutions to mitigate its impact.

    Causes of drug abuse

    Peer Pressure: Among teenagers and youths, peer pressure is a prominent cause of drug abuse. The desire to fit in and gain social acceptance can lead individuals to experiment with substances they might not have considered otherwise.

    Stress and Mental Health Issues: Teenagers and adults alike often turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for stress and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The temporary relief drugs provide can become a powerful incentive for continued use.

    Accessibility: Easy access to drugs is a significant contributing factor. The widespread availability of prescription medications, illicit substances, and alcohol increases the likelihood of experimentation and abuse.

    Lack of education: Insufficient awareness and education about the risks associated with drug abuse can leave individuals vulnerable. Without a clear understanding of the consequences, they may underestimate the harm they can cause themselves.

    Family influence: Family dynamics play a crucial role. Growing up in an environment where drug abuse is normalized can lead individuals to follow in the footsteps of family members who abuse drugs.

    Economic factors: Economic instability can drive individuals to drugs as a means of escape or coping with financial pressures. Poverty can lead to the use of cheaper and more readily available substances.

    Solutions to drug abuse

    Education and Awareness: Implement comprehensive drug education programs in schools and communities to inform people about the risks associated with drug abuse. These programs should address both the short-term and long-term consequences.

    Mental Health Support: Offer accessible and stigma-free mental health services for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Providing healthier coping mechanisms can deter drug use.

    Parental Guidance: Encourage open and supportive communication within families to deter drug abuse. Parents should lead by example and actively engage with their children about the dangers of drugs.

    Strict Regulation and Control: Enhance the regulation and control of prescription medications, alcohol, and illicit substances. This can help restrict access to these drugs, particularly among younger individuals.

    Support Groups and Treatment: Establish community-based support groups and rehabilitation programs for individuals struggling with drug abuse. Offering a path to recovery is crucial in reducing addiction rates.

    Law Enforcement and Rehabilitation: While punitive measures are necessary to curb drug trafficking and distribution, rehabilitation and support should also be integral parts of the justice system.

    Alternative Activities: Provide recreational and constructive activities for young people to engage in, diverting their focus from drug use towards healthier pursuits.

    Conclusion

    Drug abuse is a multifaceted problem affecting teenagers, youths, and adults. Understanding its causes and implementing comprehensive solutions is essential to mitigate its impact. By addressing peer pressure, mental health, accessibility, education, family influence, economic factors, and more, society can take significant steps toward reducing drug abuse and its devastating consequences. It is a collective effort involving individuals, families, communities, and governments to create a drug-free future for all.

  • Scouts ‘resolve to stop cultism, drug abuse in youths’

    Scouts ‘resolve to stop cultism, drug abuse in youths’

    Scout Association of Nigeria has said it is committed to tackling cultism and drug abuse.

    Chief Commissioner, Dave Padopas-Awunah, spoke at an African scouts news conference in Abuja.

     He said a study by the body showed there were about 20 cult organisations in Nigeria.

     Padopas-Awunah noted elsewhere in Africa, child soldiers prevail but in Nigeria, it is cultism and drug abuse prevalent among youths.

     “So, what the association is doing is to approach areas we have destitutes, Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) camps, and volunteer to form scouts groups in those camps  to catch them young and dissuade them from recruitment into cult and dangerous groups.”

     The commissioner said an impending amendment of Nigerian Boys Scout Act would change the name to Scout Association of Nigeria.

     Among other provisions, he said it aims at making scouting compulsory in schools.

    Read Also: Youths urged to shun drug abuse, cultism

     Director of World Scout Bureau Africa, Dr Frederick Kama-Kama, said governments should collaborate with scouts to fight child soldiers and drug abuse.

     He noted most of the children fall into wrong hands due to lack of education and care. 

    Kama-Kama said the bureau would take child soldiers out of the disturbing situation and create a life for them.

    “These children are forced to do terrible things. So, we are looking at the issues affecting the children. We are looking at a holistic approach through our programmes,” he said.