President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has emphasised the importance of involving parents in addressing drug abuse and trafficking among children.
He stated that if there is to be a decisive move to tackle drug abuse in Nigeria, parents must be actively involved, insisting that they are critical in combating the surge in drugs.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Yisa Ashiru, made the appeal at a joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Drugs and Narcotics one-day sensitization programme on Thursday in Abuja.
He urged parents to wake up to the challenge of protecting the future of their children.
The programme, organized in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Drugs Monitoring (NANDRUM), had school children, stakeholders, and civil society organizations in attendance.
Speaking on the theme, “Parents’ Inclusion in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Reckless Behaviours,” the President of the Senate and Chairman stated that the involvement of parents in the fight is critical.
“If the menace and epidemic of drug abuse are tackled from the home front, society would be better for it.
“Getting parents involved in the fight against drug abuse takes the battle to the grassroots and addresses the issue right from the home front since those indulging in it come from different homes before hitting the streets as drug addicts or traffickers.”
According to him, there could be no better legacy than parents properly guiding their wards to achieve their great future; hence, showing a carefree attitude when there are signs of drug abuse by children in homes constitutes total destruction of their lives.
“I urge all parents to take up this mantle of responsibility with unwavering determination since the greatest gift any parent can give to children is not riches, but the spirit of adventure, the virtue of integrity, and the gift of courage.
“Let us equip our children with the required tools they need to navigate life’s challenges without falling victim to the perils of drug abuse.”