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A PAPER PRESENTED BY AMB. PST. EDEWOR EGEDEGBE ON THE COMMEMORATION OF UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUGS AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING THEME “PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ADDICTION IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY” ORGANIZED BY NAWOJ DELTA STATE CHAPTER AND THE SOUTHERN WOMEN FORUM AT DELTA CAREERS COLLEGE, EFFURUN, DELTA STATE ON 26TH JUNE, 2025.
PROTOCOL
I am deeply grateful to NAWOJ and the Southern Women Forum for giving me this unique opportunity to speak at this epoch event in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking otherwise known as World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. Interestingly, NAWOJ and the Southern Women Forum truly understand the importance of this day in the global effort to building a society free of drug abuse as evident in the ongoing sensitization programme. I graciously commend these entities for broaching this impactful discourse to tackle drug abuse frontally in our clime and country.
Introduction: Today, we gather in solidarity with the global community to observe the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025. This year’s theme is “Prevention and Treatment of Addiction is Everyone’s Responsibility.” Let us explore this urgent call through the lens of spiritual wisdom, moral responsibility, and collective commitment.
No doubt that, drugs and substance abuse is a global crisis which has given rise to United Nations (UN) dedicating a day like this to address the issues surrounding drugs and substance abuse across the globe. According to statistics;
Over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders globally (UNODC).
Drug abuse fuels crime, poverty, and fractured communities.
The most affected are often the most vulnerable: youth, the poor, and the emotionally wounded.
NAFDAC as reported by the Nation Newspaper on 5th March, 2025, had raised the alarm that over 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse. Regrettably, efforts by the government to nip the scourge in the bud have yielded little success. No thanks to the government across the board that talks more than they ever do on issues that affect majority of her citizens, the essence of any government. Among the commonly abused drugs in Nigeria include cannabis, cocaine, tramadol, codeine etc.
The statistics are not just numbers—they are broken homes, lost dreams, and fading hopes. The fight against drug abuse is not just a medical or legal one—it is deeply moral, spiritual, and communal.
It is expedient to note that, drugs are produced primarily for healthy living but when it is taken without medical practitioner’s prescriptions, it is regarded as “drug abuse”. According to the National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC), “drug abuse means the excessive and persistent self-administrations of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted pattern.” Furthermore, “It is the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purpose other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.” In recent times, the prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria is mind boggling, even as the effects continue to take murderous toll on the society.
Today, drug abuse is almost becoming a common norm in society because most people don’t bother or care about medical practitioner’s prescription before taking drugs. One will be right to say, drugs is causing more harm than good in society today owing to ever rise in illicit drugs consumption among people especially young people with devasting effects on their health and ever-increasing crime rate in our society.
Suffice to say that drug abuse and substance addiction is a worldwide epidemic that has devastating effects on people’s lives and society to say the least. No thanks to the worsening incidents of drug abuse in Nigeria and its attendant effects on the citizens, especially among young adults, teens and teenagers alike.
Effects of Drug Abuse:
PHYSICAL HEALTH EFFECTS: lung disease, heart disease, cancer, liver damage, infections – hepatitis, HIV, AIDS etc.
MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS: depression and anxiety, increased rate of suicide, cognitive impairment etc.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS: Academic difficulties, poor peer relationships, breakdown of trust and relationships, family disruption, increased crime rate, and reduced work productivity.
Causes Of Drug Abuse
The causes of drug abuse among young Nigerians are as follows: peer pressure, low self-esteem, poverty, unemployment, lack of education, easy access to hard drugs, social media influence.
How Youths Can Stay Off Drug Abuse
Avoid places where you know drugs and alcohol will be available by surrounding yourself with friends who don’t use drugs.
Know how to resist temptation, learn how to cope with stress and relax without drugs
Engage yourself with activities like exercise, reading relevant books that edify or listen to music
HOW GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS CAN COMBAT DRUG ABUSE
Address economic hardship, create more job opportunities and citizens must remain responsible ensuring moral values are enhanced in society.
Strengthen the laws and agencies responsible for drug control and enforce the laws to the letter
Embark on grassroots public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse, increase the number of rehabilitation centers across the state for effective and timely response.
Ensure citizens have unrestricted access to education.
Spiritual and Moral Responsibility in Combating Drug Abuse
From a biblical standpoint, we are admonished to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-2). In the context of drug abuse, the Nigerian Constitution clearly defines and prohibits the illegal use, possession, and distribution of drugs—labeling it a criminal offense. As Christians and responsible citizens, it is our duty to uphold both the spiritual and legal codes by actively discouraging drug abuse in our communities.
Drug abuse is not a problem caused by animals, but by individuals—men and women, youth and adults—who come from families that make up our society. This includes not only users but also those who supply these substances for personal gain, including unethical medical practitioners who sell controlled drugs for profit, regardless of the harm done to society.
Sadly, we are witnessing a decline in moral and social responsibility. Under the guise of modernization and the influence of today’s generation—often labeled “Gen Z”—discipline is increasingly frowned at. The once-communal approach to raising children, where neighbors shared responsibility in correcting wrong behavior, is now seen as outdated. What was once firm parental discipline is now mischaracterized as child abuse, resulting in children growing up without guidance or boundaries.
The consequence? An alarming rise in drug abuse among children—even those in primary and secondary schools—leading to increased crime, truancy, and moral decay among our youth. As a society, we cannot remain silent.
The Bible offers us a timeless solution. In Jeremiah 6:16, it says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Let us return to these ancient paths of discipline, godliness, and collective responsibility.
CONCLUSION
The theme of this event “Prevention and Treatment of Drug Addiction is Everyone’s Responsibility” underscores the compelling need for a sustained collaboration between government and all stakeholders – corporate organisations, private institutions, religious organisations and citizens to decisively rescue our country from this rampaging monster.
Let us rise as parents, leaders, faith communities, and concerned citizens to actively fight drug abuse. Let us educate, correct, and support those struggling while holding enablers accountable. Together, by God’s grace, we can restore moral order and build a drug-free society.
Thank you listentening.
