• Fri. Feb 14th, 2025

CRAN: Nigeria Marks 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking


The 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was marked by a significant event organized by the Crime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, focusing on the theme “Cultism: The Root Cause of Drug Abuse Among Young Nigerians.” The keynote presentation was delivered by Daniel Osita Collins, CEO of the Jesus Care Reformation Centre for Drug Abuse and Misuse.

In his address, Collins emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive approach to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking among young adults in Nigeria. He praised the efforts of the police force in mounting outreach programs aimed at sensitizing young Nigerians to reject cultism, violence, drug abuse, and other harmful behaviors.

“Ensuring the necessary transformation in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a significant challenge for any nation serious about eradicating these issues,” Collins stated. He highlighted the deep-rooted connection between cultism and drug abuse, noting that many young Nigerians are drawn into drug abuse through their involvement in secret cults.

Collins pointed out that Nigeria’s failure to reach its full potential, despite its rich human and material resources, is partly due to the pervasive influence of cultism. He explained that cultism has infiltrated various sectors, including the civil service, where individuals often use their positions to favor members of their cult groups.

He also noted that cultists retain their membership after graduation from school, with job recruitment sometimes influenced by cult affiliations. Furthermore, cultists often serve as drug couriers within and outside Nigeria, perpetuating the cycle of drug abuse and trafficking.

“The real tragedy is not that these things are happening, but that they are occurring in a nation reputed to be one of the most religious on earth,” Collins remarked. He called for a united effort to tackle the issue, urging political and religious leaders to take concrete, sustainable steps to address the problem.

Collins acknowledged the police force’s proactive stance in combating cultism and drug abuse, but stressed the need for a broader societal involvement. He suggested that the campaign against drug abuse and cultism be extended to primary and secondary schools to educate young people early on the dangers of these vices.

In his closing remarks, Collins expressed hope for the future, emphasizing that collaborative efforts can rescue the younger generation from the grip of cultism and drug abuse. He urged all Nigerians to report any crime to the police and discourage the promotion of drugs and chemical substances in music, movies, and clubs.

The event highlighted the pressing need for continued vigilance and action against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, underscoring the importance of community involvement and early education in addressing these issues.

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor is a seasoned journalist and the CEO/Founder Belch Digital Communications, publishers of Hybrid News Nigeria.

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