As Nigerian kids joined their counterparts across the world to mark Children’s Day yesterday, the Federal Government advised them to stay away from drug-related habits and face their studies more seriously for a better future for the country.
The advice was apparently informed by the growing cases of juvenile delinquencies across the country.At the celebration in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari pleaded: ‘’I call on you my dear children, to stay away from using abusive and addictive substances and concentrate on your studies as this administration will ensure a conducive learning environment for you to develop your potential.’’
The 27th May of every year has been set aside by the United Nations to celebrate children worldwide. This year’s theme is ‘’Drug abuse among children- Addressing the challenges.’’President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] Malam Muhammed Musa Bello, said this year’s celebration provided an opportunity to reiterate the administration’s commitment to the promotion of the rights of the Nigerian child and also to reflect on government’s role in the elimination of drug abuse.
The president said that his administration was also in the process of reviewing the National Drug Control Master Plan 2015—2019 with a focus on drug control and consumption.‘’It is worthy of mention that the presidential advisory committee is currently interfacing with core stakeholders, drug experts, rehabilitated drug users at all levels so as to make appropriate recommendations to government on interventions required to reverse this ugly trend. Read more