12/12/2025
*DRUG FREE WORLD AFRICA LAUNCHES EDUCATION WORKBOOK LEAFLET - "STEERING DYNAMIC DRUG FREE YOUTH" & CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE*
The Drug Free World Africa (DFWA) organization recently held its official inauguration and launch of its campaign activities against drugs in Abuja, Nigeria and Production of Her First Education Workbook Leaflet, Titled STEERING DYNAMIC DRUG FREE YOUTH . The event, themed "*From Awareness to Action: Together We Can End Drug Abuse*," aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a healthier lifestyle among young people.
In her remarks, Country Director of Drug Free World Africa, Hon. Dr. Lina Ikereke, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the issue of drug abuse, stating that the organization aims to protect young people and reshape Africa's future.
According to Dr. Lina ,the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has emphasized the importance of prevention, stating that investing in early prevention is the most effective way to protect future generations from the scourge of drug abuse.
The convener stressed the need for increased investment in prevention programs, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of substance abuse .
In a keynote presentation, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze called on parents to monitor their children's mental health and relate appropriately, highlighting the crucial role parents play in preventing drug abuse.
Sen. Patrick underscored the importance of community engagement and participation in preventing drug abuse, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect young people and promote a healthier lifestyle.
On his part, the NDLEA Boss, who was represented by Dr. Etuka Chizoba stressed the agency's desire to end the era of drug abuse and substance misuse in Nigeria, reaffirming their commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The event was attended by victims, students, and youth who participated in discussions and activities focused on preventing drug abuse, highlighting the importance of engaging young people in the fight against substance abuse.
According to statistics, 44% of Nigeria's population engages in substance use, with 77% of users being youth, underscoring the need for urgent action to address this growing concern.
The launch event highlighted the need for a multi-layered approach to addressing substance abuse, involving families, schools, civil society, and local authorities, to effectively tackle this complex issue.
Hon. Dr Lina Okereke: mentioned that DFWA
work from their inception spans seven African countries and 23 states in Nigeria. We have engaged more than 165 schools and over 50 communities, trained over 50,000 teachers, delivered 25 school programmes, held 35 parent–teacher workshops, and distributed more than one million educational booklets.
We have also supported vulnerable children through rehousing initiatives. And today, we introduce 5,000 early-years drug-education leaflets.
The DFWA also launched its newest drug-abuse education workbook, "Steering Dynamic Drug-Free Youth," designed to empower youth with knowledge and strengthen prevention efforts marking the beginning of a concerted effort v to address the issue of drug abuse in Nigeria, and with collective action, we can create a brighter future for our youth and our nation.
