Parents urged to curb drug abuse by children

FROM the pulpit came a call to parents to pay more attention to their homes with a view to curbing the menace of drug abuse among children.

Former Director General, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Barrister Lanre Sulaiman Ipiniso, made this call as a guest lecturer at the Nasru-lLahi-il-fatih Society, (NASFAT) Ramadan lecture held at NASFAT village, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State.

Ipiniso lamented that with the level of banned drugs, illegal weapons and pro- ceeds of corruption in the country, peace might be elusive.

“Parents should pay attention to their homes. Don’t use all your time to chase money. What happens when the money comes but the family which you are labouring for are in wrecks. In Abuja, a standard rehabilitation centre cost no less than N6million for the first 90 days. So, don’t allow your children to play with drugs because recovering from it takes time and money. With the level of drugs we have and illegal weapons and proceeds of corruption we have in Nigeria, it is very difficult to attain peace. Nowhere is safe in the presence of these three factors.

“Drug abuse is a behavioral problem. It means we all have to re-channel how we want our youth to behave. The past, people used to smoke marijuana, but now, if you take urine test of people today, you will be shocked many people will be positive. The solution is to continue to remind ourselves that whatever the situation is with you don’t destroy yourself. When you are high, people cannot comprehend the realities of the situation. Some were lured into it because the suddenly became so rich and they wanted more excitement. If you mention adversity as a possible cause, you should understand that we are created for problems. Adversities are not completely negative, it is to propel you.

Also, fielding questions from newsmen at the occasion, the President of NASFAT, Engr Kamil Bolarinwa advised Muslims to carry the lessons of self-restraints and perseverance beyound the month of Ramadan, which according to him will ensure peaceful coexistence in the country.