Foundation decries spate of drug abuse, crime amongst youth

The Michelle’s Youth Initiative for Sustainable Development (MYISD) has decried the alarming involvement of youths in trafficking, migration, drug abuse and terrorism in the country.
Its National Coordinator Michelle Peter, stated this while officially flagging off a nationwide campaign recently in Abuja, youths involment in crime on the failure of the federal government to provide enabling environment, just as she called for attention to be paid job creation and provision of enabling environment for investment.
The campaign with the theme: “say no to human trafficking, irregular migration, drug abuse and all forms of criminality.” is in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
He said: “Unfortunately, the Nigerian government hasn’t provided enabling support or encouragement.
Agencies are not well-funded to fund other grassroots organizations in the fight against these violent crimes.
“Let there be job creation and provision of enabling environment for investment to engage the youths meaningfully to stop them from dangerous migration,” she said. The coordinator however charged all citizens particularly the youths to think innovative, urging all to join hands in the fight against these societal vices.
“From the North to the South across the west, through the east, let us all put our efforts to make Nigeria great again,” she urged.
In his address, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr.
Solomon Dalung, represented by the Chief of Youth Development from the Ministry Mr.
Oyekan Adedoyin, said drug abuse had brought different hazards to both the individual and community.
He lauded the campaign noting the proactive role it will play in ensuring that all people stay away from illegal drugs and other harmful substances, just as he called for the reorientation and change in psyche of youths on drug abuse and all forms of crimes.
The Director Public Enlightenment at NAPTIP, Mr Arinze Orakwe, said 78 percent of victims of human trafficking in Nigeria fall within the age range of 8 to 27 years, urging youths to channel their time and energy into productive engagements and be patient for its benefits.