The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated a ‘Drug-Free Safety Club’ under its Catch Them Young initiative to promote a drug-free society among students.
The inauguration and awareness campaign against illicit drugs took place on Friday at Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Paul Kamai, Deputy Director in charge of Narcotics in the FCT, emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent substance abuse.
“There is a high rate of alcohol and drug abuse in society. Our goal is to educate young students on the dangers of illicit drugs, ensuring they stay clear of substance abuse and become responsible members of society,” Adeyeye said.
She added that the campaign seeks to empower students by making them peer educators who will spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug use.
“We want them to learn from the mistakes of those who have fallen into drug addiction. Through this club, students will actively discourage their peers from drug and alcohol abuse. Our commitment does not end today—we will continue visiting schools to sustain this campaign,” she added.
Mrs. Ibrahim Fadilah-Tukur, the Pioneer Principal of GSS Gwarinpa Estate, expressed gratitude to NAFDAC for launching the initiative, calling it a timely intervention given the school’s proximity to Gwarinpa Market, an area vulnerable to social vices.
“The Drug-Free Safety Club is a welcome addition to the school’s extracurricular activities. It will create student ambassadors who will not only educate their peers but also extend the campaign beyond the school, including market areas,” she said.
She urged students to take ownership of the campaign, promoting drug-free lifestyles among their peers and the larger community.
Victor Eugene, the Head Boy of the school, acknowledged the growing problem of drug misuse, even with common medications like paracetamol.
“With this club, we now have a responsibility to keep our school drug-free. We see ourselves as a junior NAFDAC, and we will do our best to curb drug abuse among students,” he said.
Similarly, Adah Victory, the school’s Social Prefect, pledged to use her position to strengthen the campaign.
“I will push for greater awareness through school programs and even propose inter-school campaigns on drug abuse,” she said.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the Catch Them Young initiative to more schools, ensuring that students play an active role in the fight against drug abuse.
