Club sensitises youths against drug abuse

THE NALT International Club, Eagle chapter, Enugu, has cautioned Nigerian youths against taking illicit drugs and indulging in social vices.

At a sensitisation and awareness campaign against drug abuse and other social vices at City College, Enugu, President of the chapter, Uba- Chinaka Stanley, said the country’s future is in jeopardy with the rate of drug abuse among the youth, hence the need to intervene.

Addressing senior students of the school, he said: “My dear youths, I beg you to consider your future, your parents and loved ones that are doing everything to make you successful in life. You can be whatever you want to be or achieve whatever you wish in life as long as you free yourselves from drugs.”

Stanley, who blamed other social vices in the society on drug abuse, stated that it propels youths to engage in all forms of illegality and criminality.

“People will hardly take to robbery, rape, kidnapping, murder, cultism and other social vices without one form of drug abuse or the other. If we can get rid of drugs and make our youths reject and abstain from drugs, we will have a better and crime- free society,” he added.

Also decrying involvement of students in examination malpractices, he identified laziness, peer pressure, psychological and technology factors as responsible for the trend, adding that poor upbringing and teaching habits among teachers could lead to examination malpractice.

“We must say no to examination malpractice as it destroys the academic world. It destroys the main point of education which is gaining knowledge and practical skills. It makes students obtain certificates without gaining knowledge. There is self- fulfilment and satisfaction when you confidently write and pass your examinations without cheating. It makes you the master of your universe and gives you the boldness to confront challenges,” he said.

He said the awareness campaign, which would take place in 35 secondary schools in the state, was part of the contributions of the club to combat social menace in the society, especially among students.

“It will also feature undertaking school projects, paying school fees, WAEC and NECO fees for some underprivileged and brilliant students. It is more important that we impact the society positively using this campaign,” he said.