As the year 2022 gradually winds down, and a new calendar year 2023 beckons on us, this comes with numerous celebrations with hundreds of “end of the year” parties by various schools, institutions, public and private organisations.
I am however drawn to the number of parties that are already taking place leading to the Christmas and New year celebrations where illicit drugs are used in different forms.
Drug use as well as its attendant addiction and ultimate sad end is before us, even more at this season except we wish to turn a blind eye to what we see in our environment. No doubt the time to act is now regardless of the failed efforts made in the past.
The drug use pandemic is an issue we are trying to shy away from, maybe in order not to offend the young ones or just because it hasn’t come home to roost. In either case, let me remind us that our inaction will continue misleading a minority of persons to push the boring but dangerous narrative of legalising cannabis in Nigeria and as well reinforcing the drug use culture. We must unite and stop it.
Francis Okogun wrote from Benin City, Edo State.
