By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has urged youths across the state to shun hard drugs, counterfeit medicines and other dangerous substances, warning that substance abuse and unsafe consumption habits could jeopardise their health, ambitions and future.
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Reformation, Dr Nelson Omenugha, gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday, expressing concern over reports of serious illnesses, kidney problems and sudden deaths among young people.
Omenugha cautioned that although such health conditions could arise from different causes, the misuse of drugs, fake medicines and unsafe consumable products could expose young people to severe complications and, in some cases, death.
He urged youths not to sacrifice their lives and aspirations for temporary pleasure, peer pressure or the pursuit of quick money, stressing that the future of Anambra State depended substantially on the health, productivity and responsible conduct of its younger population.
In his advancement of the Youth Reformation Agenda of the Governor, the Special Adviser also called on young people to embrace healthier lifestyles, avoid hard drugs and refrain from misusing prescription medicines. He advised them to obtain medicines only from authorised and reputable sources and to exercise caution when purchasing food, drinks, supplements and other consumable products.
He further warned against taking unidentified substances or using medicines recommended by unqualified persons, urging anyone with health concerns to seek guidance from qualified health professionals.
Omenugha condemned individuals and businesses involved in the sale or distribution of hard drugs, counterfeit medicines and adulterated consumables for financial gain, describing the practice as a threat to young people, their families and the wider society.
He maintained that the pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of human lives, calling for greater vigilance against the circulation of substances and products capable of endangering consumers.
The Special Adviser urged youths, parents, community leaders, youth organisations and other concerned residents to report suspected drug networks, counterfeit medicines and unlawful sales to the appropriate authorities, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant law enforcement agencies.
He also disclosed that his office at the Light House, New Government House, Awka, was open to receive complaints and escalate reports to the appropriate authorities.
Omenugha advised members of the public to provide relevant details, including product names, packaging and locations, when reporting suspected cases. He cautioned against consuming or distributing questionable products and warned residents not to confront suspected offenders in ways that could put their safety at risk.
According to him, protecting young people from substance abuse and dangerous products requires collective action involving families, communities, youth groups and relevant government agencies.
He called for a concerted effort to promote healthy choices, responsible conduct and positive values among young people, warning that Anambra could not afford to lose its future generation to substance abuse, fake medicines and other preventable dangers.
