…Drug Abuse Severed Global Health, Socio Values -Another Expert
Daud Olatunji
Director of Research and Training and head of the drug abuse unit at Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro Abeokuta, Dr Sunday Amosun, has raised the alarm, saying, 25 percent of females in Nigeria mow abuse drugs .
The expert spoke at the World Drug Day organised by Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta in collaboration with Solace Foundation held in Abeokuta.
Dr. Amosun who was the keynote speaker spoke on the theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures to tackle the burgeoning drug abuse crisis in Nigeria.
On high prevalence of drug use in the country, Dr. Amosun highlighted that the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria is significantly higher than the global average.
He said “the equivalence of drug use in Nigeria is about 14.3 million, meaning 14 out of every 100 Nigerians have used drugs.
“ This translates to one in seven Nigerians, almost three times the global average of 5.6 percent,” he noted.
He lamented that 25 percent of drug users in Nigeria are females.
“Studies have shown that one out of four of those who use drugs in Nigeria are females, which is alarmingly high,” Dr. Amosun said.
He called for concerted efforts from all sectors to address this pressing issue.
Tracing the causes, Dr. Amoaun described Nigeria as a Drug Transit Point.
The expert also discussed Nigeria’s role as a transit point for drugs, contributing to the country’s drug abuse problem.
He said “Nigeria, along with Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic, forms a transit route for drugs destined for Europe. In the process, these drugs often end up being used locally.
“Additionally, there are local labs in Nigeria that manufacture narcotic substances such as methamphetamine and ecstasy for export,” he explained.
Linking the high rate to COVID-19 pandemic, the expert said it has exacerbated the situation, with restrictions hindering the export of these substances, leading to increased local consumption.
He added that prescription pharmaceuticals such as tramadol, codeine-containing cough syrups, and injectable pentazocine have also seen a surge in misuse.
Dr. Amosun stressed the importance of prevention in combating drug abuse.
“The key message for prevention is that it’s better they don’t start at all. Universal and targeted prevention strategies are crucial, involving families, schools, communities, and the government.
“We must ensure drug treatment centers are accessible and affordable, with psychiatric facilities in every general hospital capable of managing drug abuse,” he urged.
Addressing female involvement and stigmatisation as one of the factors contributing to high drug use among females, Dr. Amosun pointed to increased education, absent parenting, and higher purchasing power among females.
“Elitism, where females are becoming more educated, and absent parenting are significant factors. Females often have more access to money, making it easier for them to procure drugs,” he said.
Dr. Amosun lamented the stigma preventing many females from seeking treatment.
“Due to cultural perspectives and stigma, many families hide their female members who use drugs, fearing societal judgement and potential marital challenges.
“This is reflected in the low number of females seeking treatment – only one out of twenty patients in hospitals are female, despite one in four drug users being female,” he revealed.
… Provost, Olowu’s Wife Express Worry, Call For Collaboration
Wife Olori Amina Adeleye Matemilola, the wife of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola and the Provost and Chief Medical Director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, Paul Agboola, have expressed deep concern over the growing issue of drug abuse among youths.
The duo emphasised the need for continuous and regular activities to combat this menace.
Both Olori Matemilola and Dr. Agboola called for a united effort to combat drug abuse, stressing the importance of community involvement, parental responsibility, and continuous awareness programmes to safeguard the future of the youth.
Olori Matemilola described the event as a “wonderful programme” and stressed the importance of not limiting such initiatives to a single day.
She highlighted the urgent need for a sustained effort to address the rising problem of drug abuse among young people.
“If we are thinking of our future, we should be really thinking about our youth and ensuring they get themselves in the right order,” she said.
“Leadership roles require integrity, honesty, empathy, responsibility, and accountability—qualities that drug users typically lack.”
As a mother, Olori Matemilola shared her fears about the projected increase in youth involvement in drug abuse.
She called on parents to proactively engage with their children, reinforcing the cultural values where “everybody’s child is your child.”
She urged parents not to shy away from correcting any child they see engaging in wrong behavior, even if it means facing opposition from other parents.
“Just keep talking, and I’m sure that by God’s grace, things will normalize,” she added.
The Provost and Chief Medical Director, described the situation as a global pandemic.
He noted that drug abuse has escalated beyond the use of cannabis and cocaine to include substances like paint fumes and even sewage.
“Anything people feel can enhance their feeling, can stimulate their brain, they tend to abuse it,” he said.
Dr. Agboola commended the efforts of the event organisers and stressed the importance of catching young people early.
“The essence of today’s programme is to create awareness in the society. That is why you could see that we got the children, the schools in attendance, and it’s meant to catch them young,” he explained.
He also highlighted the critical role of collaboration in addressing the drug abuse crisis.
“We are ready to partner with the government and stakeholders in the community,” Dr. Agboola said.
He praised the partnership with Olori Matemilola and called on other community members to join the fight against drug abuse.
Dr. Agboola further advised parents to prioritise their children despite their busy schedules.
He noted the growing trend of parents focusing on work and financial success at the expense of their children’s well-being.
“What will happen after you’ve gone? Your legacy—you don’t want to build a mansion and have it sold out for drugs,” he cautioned.
He urged parents to spend quality time with their children, engage with them, and be present to provide the support they need to resist the lure of drugs.
… Drug Abuse Severed Global Health, Socio Values -Expert
Also speaking on the same theme, Dr. Olanrewaju Sodeinde, Deputy Director (Clinical Psychology) at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, said the severe global health and social issues posed by psychoactive drug use.
He described the issue as a “global pandemic” with devastating effects on millions worldwide.
Dr. Sodeinde outlined numerous health problems associated with drug abuse, including damage to vital organs, increased infection risks (HIV/AIDS, STDs, hepatitis), sleep and appetite disturbances, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, and severe behavioural changes like irritability and violence.
Citing the National Drug Survey, he highlighted that in Nigeria, 14.3 million people (14.4% of those aged 15-64) use drugs, with cannabis being the most common (10.6 million users). Additionally, 4.6 million Nigerians used opioids non-medically last year, and one out of every four drug users is a woman.
Dr. Sodeinde called for comprehensive efforts at all levels—governmental, community, family, and individual—to invest in prevention and address the escalating problem of drug abuse.
According to him, the World Drug Report (UNODC), in 2019, shows 271 million people (5.5% of the global population aged 15-64) used drugs, with projections indicating that 35 million individuals suffer from drug use disorders. He stressed the need for urgent and collaborative action to mitigate this widespread crisis.
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