NDLEA Warns Against the Dangers of Drug Abuse Among Primary School Pupils.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has called on parents, teachers, and the general public to increase their monitoring of primary school pupils in order to protect them from falling into the trap of drug abuse.

The Deputy supritendant of Narcotic of Azare area Commande of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Sulaiman Farito, made the call during a Speech and Prize-Giving Day ceremony organised by Baba Kafinta Primary School, Azare, at the end of the third term of the academic year.

Sulaiman Farito explained that some young people who are currently struggling with drug abuse often begin developing the habit at an early age, especially while in primary school.

He noted that some children start by imitating the behaviours of smokers during break periods.

Sulaiman said there are instances where some pupils gather pieces of paper or other materials, set them on fire, and inhale the smoke as a way of imitating cigarette smoking.

The NDLEA official further stated that drug abuse has serious negative effects on the lives of young people, as it can damage their mental and physical health, affect their future, lead to poor behaviour, school drop out and involvement in criminal activities within society.

He also urged parents to pay greater attention to the upbringing of their children, know the kind of friends they associate with, and monitor the type of content they watch or listen to, especially at a time when harmful behaviours are spreading through various social media platforms.

Sulaiman Farito further called on teachers to continue educating pupils about the dangers of drug abuse from an early stage, in order to build a healthy society and raise responsible young people.

He stressed that the fight against drug abuse is not the responsibility of government agencies alone, but requires the collective efforts of parents, schools, community leaders, and other stakeholders to protect the future of children and youths.