The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a proactive initiative to combat the growing menace of drug abuse, counterfeit medicines, and substandard food products among Nigerian youth. Christened the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club, the program, operating under the banner “Catch Them Young,” aims to educate and empower students to become agents of change within their communities. Government Science Technical College, Barunde, in Gombe State served as the inaugural location for this significant campaign, strategically chosen as the sole representative state in the North-East region. This pilot program will encompass six schools in Gombe, including GSTC Barunde, reaching a substantial number of students and laying the groundwork for future expansion.
The core message of the “Catch Them Young” campaign revolves around educating students about the insidious dangers lurking within seemingly innocuous substances. Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, stressed the devastating impact of peer pressure, a primary driver of drug abuse among young people. She warned against succumbing to this influence, highlighting the potential for addiction, illness, and even criminal behavior resulting from substance abuse. The consequences, she emphasized, can range from debilitating health issues to severe criminal acts, including rape and murder, permanently altering the trajectory of young lives. This stark warning served as a powerful call to action, urging students to resist negative peer influence and prioritize their well-being.
Recognizing the crucial role educators play in shaping young minds, Professor Adeyeye implored teachers to actively engage in guiding students away from risky behaviors. Their daily interaction with students provides a unique opportunity to identify early warning signs and intervene before harmful habits take root. She encouraged teachers to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable confiding their struggles without fear of judgment or stigmatization. This open communication, she argued, is essential for early intervention and successful rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for a compassionate and understanding approach when dealing with students grappling with substance abuse.
The NAFDAC Consumer Safety Clubs are envisioned as a powerful tool for engaging young people as active participants in the fight against counterfeit and substandard products. These clubs will empower students to become vigilant observers within their communities, reporting suspicious activities related to the production or distribution of harmful substances. Professor Adeyeye clarified that the students’ role is not to confront perpetrators directly, but rather to serve as informants, providing valuable intelligence to the relevant authorities. This collaborative approach leverages the students’ intimate knowledge of their surroundings, transforming them into key players in safeguarding public health.
The launch of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club at GSTC Barunde was met with enthusiastic support from the school’s administration. Principal Muhammad Magaji lauded the initiative as a timely and much-needed intervention, expressing optimism that it would significantly alter students’ perceptions of drug abuse and discourage harmful behavior. This endorsement underscores the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and educational institutions in addressing this critical issue. The program’s success hinges on the active participation of both students and educators, working together to create a healthier and safer environment for all.
The “Catch Them Young” campaign reflects NAFDAC’s intensified efforts to combat the escalating problem of drug addiction among Nigerian youth. By targeting young people at a formative stage, the agency aims to instill a sense of responsibility and empower them to make informed choices about their health. The initiative’s success will depend on continued collaboration between NAFDAC, educational institutions, and communities, working in concert to create a protective shield against the devastating consequences of drug abuse and counterfeit products. The program’s expansion to other regions will further amplify its impact, contributing significantly to the overall improvement of public health and safety in Nigeria.
