Foundation, NDLEA warn students in Niger on the dangers of illicit drugs

…Distribute educational items to Schools, others

Over two hundred Secondary school students in Niger state have been charged to refrain from illicit drugs so as not to ruin their future.

This call was made by a non governmental organization (NGO), Michael Dato Relief Foundation (MDRF) which distributed educational items to Schools and other organisations in Suleja local government area of the state.

President of the Foundation, Helen Umar during a Seminar on War Against Drug Abuse organized by MDRF in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Suleja Command warned that, if youths are not tamed now, they can easily be swayed by negative influences.

According to her “my joy is to be able to help the needy, youths and students. The aim is to equip them with information to better their character, moral and attitude. it gives me a lot of joy.

“We believe that the educational items will aid and equip these students and youths on the dangers of drug abuse and other vices.”

She said the gesture is part of efforts to curb the menace of drug abuse amongst youths especially students in secondary education across the State.

Mrs Umar added that some of their programmes by the Foundation include medical outreaches, monthly distribution of food items to widows and less privileged, distribution of free exercise books and other writing materials to community based schools, and payment of tuition fees for some children from poor homes.

Speaking also, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics of the NDLEA, Saddam Solomon said the Agency moves from school to school to discourage students from experimenting or engaging in drugs.

During his presentation, Solomon said the use of illicit drugs have ruined the lives of several students, adding that “those who are lucky to survive, are now undergoing rehabilitation.”

While commending the Foundation during his goodwill message, the Director, Social Development, Suleja LGA, Murtala Zubairu who was represented by Staff Officer Ibrahim Paiko called on youths not to engage in any form of abuse adding that “a lot of students have destroyed their future as a result of abuse and use of illicit drugs”.

Some of the students who spoke called on youths not to engage in the abuse of drugs but to seek medical attention before getting any drugs.

Highlights of the event was the presentation of educational items to various schools in Suleja.