Female Artist Wants Increase Awareness Against Drug Abuse Among Youths  

BY GOLORIA USMAN, ABUJA – The Nigerian Female Artist Association has stressed the need for increased awareness among the new generation, especially those of underprivileged section of the society, to prevent drug abuse.

Speaking at an exhibition organised by the Female Artist Association to mark this year “International Day Against Drug Abuse” with the tittle: Red Alert, Mrs. Dayo Keshi, said public awareness needs to be created to ensure a decent life for street children and youths.

Mrs. Dayo, who was the Chief guest therefore called for inclusion of parents and people from all walks of life in the process to raise awareness.

In her speech, President Females Artist Association, Chinze Ojobo, said controlling drugs is not enough as a stronger action plan is needed to check the abuse across the nation.

She said; “Today we are telling the youths, drugs is wrong, the codeine, the heroine, the smoking is bad.” 

While explaining the message from her painting, Chinze said; ‘My painting depicts the effect of drugs on other people, that when one takes drugs it does not only affect the person taking it but also people around are hurt.

“As a mother, drug abuse is a case that is prevalent in Nigeria, the drugs is on the verge of destroying the lives of our children and their future. Drugs play a big role in the process. Children need to be made aware of the danger of drug abuse so that the future generation can be saved from its ill effects.

“A special attention is needed to be given to youths and underprivileged children as they are more vulnerable to drugs and tobacco, if the youths are engaged positively, if they have a purpose their mind will be taking off that.”

While calling upon the government, parents and all to come forward to fight against drug abuse, former president female Artist Association, Lady Ngozi Akunde said with every passing year, drug consumption is increasing and caused a huge loss of intellect and productivity.

According to her; “We observed that our children are going the other way, so we are using our work to advocate an end to drug abuse that can damage the brain. The theme: ”Red Alert’ is a clarion call for parents to pay attention to what their children do so that they will be able to engage them in the things that will help grow positively.

“Talk to your children, be friendly, get to know them, don’t abandoned them to house help and other people. Take care of them and be their friends so that they don’t engage in things that are dangerous to their health.”

Ngozi urged the youths to engage themselves in a more meaningful venture than engaging in drugs.

A male Artist, Akachukwu Chukwu Emeka, attributed drugs abuse to the cause of crime, adding that drug abuse has been a major problem in the society, especially among youths, that makes them mix all sort of things to get them high and lose control of themselves and commit crime.

Emeka said; “In order to get money to go and get another dose of drugs, they tend to attack innocent victims, the situation is sad.

“It is good that the female artist are bringing attention through the art to advocate and bring an end to drug abuse.”