As part of its ongoing campaign for a drug-free society, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a ‘Drug-Free Safety Club’ in secondary schools, beginning with Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja. The initiative, tagged ‘Catch Them Young’, aims to educate students about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr Paul Kamai, Deputy Director in charge of Narcotics in the FCT, emphasized the need for early intervention in tackling social vices among young people.
“There is a high rate of alcohol and drug abuse in society. What we are doing here is just to pass this information to the young ones and to ensure they stay clear of illicit drugs in order to be reasonable and good members of society. We are trying to pass the information to the young, and that is why it is tagged ‘Operation Catch Them Young’—for them to stay clear of drug and alcohol abuse. We do this by convincing them to take a look at those who have fallen prey to drug intake and how they behave on the streets,” she stated.
Adeyeye added that peer influence plays a crucial role in preventing drug abuse, stating that club members will serve as advocates in their schools and communities.
“Members of this club are expected to talk to other students about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse because hearing it from their peers will help ensure society is free from drugs. We are going to continue this campaign by coming to this school from time to time, and we are sure they will adopt the habit of staying drug-free,”
The Pioneer Principal of GSS Gwarinpa, Mrs Ibrahim Fadilah-Tukur, welcomed the initiative and encouraged students to take ownership of the campaign.
Head Boy Victor Eugene highlighted how even commonly misused drugs like paracetamol can be harmful. Similarly, Social Prefect Adah Victory pledged to use her position to raise awareness about substance abuse.
With this initiative, NAFDAC hopes to instill a culture of drug-free living among Nigerian youths, ensuring a healthier and more responsible future generation.
