ESLF PRESCRIBES PREVENTION AS BEST MEASURE AGAINST DRUG & SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON INT’L DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE 2024.

The need for people to take preventive measures against drug and substance abuse has been identified as an effective step necessary to curb the growing menace of drug abuse in the society.

The Coordinating Programme Officer for Health, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF), Erdoo Yankyaa pointed this out while addressing learners and teachers at Community Secondary School, Apir in Makurdi, Benue State during an outreach by ESLF as the Foundation joins the world to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024 which holds on June 26 every year.

Yankyaa who spelt out the dire consequences of drug abuse to individuals, families and the society, explained that the practice was capable of destroying both the lives and livelihood of abusers.

She cautioned against falling prey to peer pressure and other negative influences but admonished them to embark on activities like sports, regular exercises, domestic chores and other outdoor activities that could serve as positive distraction from the urge which, if ignored, could overwhelm some persons until they slip into the ugly practice of drug abuse.

Adding her voice, the Programme Coordinator of ESLF, Dr. Comfort Abaa who pointed out that ESLF runs a health centre that helps to rehabilitate victims of drug abuse, further advised that people should avoid drug abuse and its attendant stigma, urging them not to destroy their lives by indulging in it.

The Principal of the school, Mr. Jerry Akya, represented by the Vice Principal Administration, Mr. Edward Adzonde, thanked ESLF for the advocacy to the school and appreciated that the Foundation remains a strong voice against several ills that bedevils the society such as the debilitating menace of drug abuse.

As a part of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with its Founder, Dr. Eunice Ortom, being a decorated WADA Ambassador, ESLF remains in the vanguard of the fight against drug and substance abuse.

The theme for this year’s World Drug Day is, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.