…Warns parents against self-medication for children
By Mike Adebayo, Ado-Ekiti
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekiti State Command has taken to the streets of Ado-Ekiti to sensitise the public on the dangers inherent in drug abuse.
This awareness was not without strong warnings for users and dealers to abstain or rot in jail.
The awareness walk which took place in collaboration with relevant organizations was carried out in commemoration of this year’s United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse.
During the walk, officers of the Command and other participants distributed fliers with inscriptions preaching against drug abuse to residents.
At some ports of call, the Commander of the agency, Anthony Olowoniyi warned residents involved in abuse of illicit substances to desist, saying it would no longer be business as usual.
Olowoniyi added that engagement of drugs like Indian Hemp, others are not limited to being harmful to the abuser but, to other right thinking members of the community.
He thereby appealed to Communities to halt from leasing out their farms to drug dealers.
In his words, “All the people involved in drug abuse should keep off, it’s better to trade what will benefit than to trade what will harm other people. They are not just harming themselves, they are harming the entire the Community, Children, Parents; many people have been neglected because of drug abuse.
“Let me also appeal to communities where we have farms. There are many farms in Ekiti State. So, they should stop giving their farms to Indian Hemp Farmers, they should use their land to cultivate cash crops that will benefit mankind.”
On her part, the Public Affairs Officer of the command, Nwaka Carol, also enjoined Parents shun self medication and always apply drugs on their children based on prescription.
According to her, “Our Parents should also talk to their Children. Besides, some people misuse drugs, not abuse but, misuse. You will believe me that Paracetamol is a good drug for everyone to take but, people still misuse it.
“So, parents are advised to come forward, it’s our duty to enlighten them on these issues.
“If the public sees anyone liaising with Drug Dealers, they should report such person to our quarters and that person will be seriously dealt with.”
The train of the walk took off from Fajuyi and touched Irona, Ijigbo, Atikannkan which largely known as the most notorious base of drug dealers and across other parts of the state capital.