Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has reiterated the need for teenagers and young adults to prioritise their mental health and shun the use of drugs and illicit substances.
Dr Hope Omeiza, Executive Director and Founder, VGADA gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja, a media briefing.
Omeiza also reiterated the organisation’s renewed commitment to safeguarding the future of Nigerian youth.
He noted that Nigeria was currently grappling with a silent epidemic of mental health disorders among young people, adding that much of it was linked to rising cases of drug and substance abuse.
According to him, we are standing at a critical crossroad. The alarming surge in drug abuse among our youth population is not only destroying individual lives but also threatening the fabric of our society.
“It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to stem this tide.”
He explained that mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidal tendencies were increasingly prevalent among teenagers.
This, he said often exacerbated by the misuse of substances like cannabis, codeine, tramadol, and newer synthetic drugs.
He, however, stressed that drug abuse remained one of the leading contributors to mental health deterioration among youths.
“In its ongoing efforts, VGADA has expanded its programmes nationwide, launching initiatives targeted at education, rehabilitation, and community mobilisation.
”These initiatives include conducting seminars and interactive sessions in secondary schools and universities to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of mental health.
“We also partner with local leaders, religious organisations, and youth groups to take the anti-drug message to grassroots communities.
“We are presently establishing accessible counselling and support services for teenagers struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.
“VGADA is leveraging traditional and digital media to spread awareness, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and promote drug-free lifestyles,” he said.
The VGADA executive director called for stronger policy frameworks and a more coordinated approach among stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, parents, and civil society organisations to tackle the menace holistically.
According to him, preventing drug abuse and promoting mental health must go hand-in-hand.
“We need to ensure that our schools, homes, and communities are safe spaces where young people can grow without fear, stigma, or the lure of harmful substances.”
Omeiza further urged the government to prioritise youth mental health in its national development agenda, allocate more resources to prevention programmes, and strengthen the enforcement of laws against the sale and distribution of illicit substances.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to be more vigilant, communicate openly with their children, and seek professional help early when signs of mental distress or drug use appear.
“Mental health is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. Every young Nigerian deserves the chance to realise their full potential free from the shackles of addiction and mental illness.
“At VGADA, we believe that with sustained awareness, education, and support, we can build a healthier, drug-free generation,” he added.
He called on corporate organisations and international development partners to support its mission, noting that collective action was key to reversing the dangerous trends affecting Nigerian youth.
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