Counselling Psychologist, Dr. Gloria Eifediyi, has raised serious concerns over the growing rate of substance abuse among Nigerian youths, warning that it poses a significant threat to mental health and national productivity.
Eifediyi, who works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at the 7th Annual Lecture Series of the Josemaria Escriva Foundation in Ekpoma.
Her lecture was titled: “The High Cost of Getting High: Understanding the Risks of Substance Abuse.”
She warned that drug abuse could trigger severe mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
“As a society, we are losing our workforce. Drug abuse is not only a personal issue; it’s a national concern with social, economic, and psychological consequences,” she said.
According to Eifediyi, common root causes of substance abuse among young people include broken homes, negative influence from social media, boredom, and unresolved personal trauma.
She called for a united and empathetic approach to tackle the problem, stressing that drug users are not criminals but victims who need support and rehabilitation.
The psychologist urged parents to be more involved in their children’s lives by monitoring their peer groups and fostering open communication. She also appealed to law enforcement agencies to intensify crackdowns on drug traffickers and outlets targeting young people.
Eifediyi’s warning comes amid troubling statistics showing that between 14 and 14.6 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 engage in non-medical drug use, representing a national prevalence rate of approximately 14.3 to 14.6 percent—significantly higher than the global average of 5.3 percent.
The Josemaria Escriva Foundation, which organized the lecture, has consistently raised awareness about the growing use of harmful substances among young Nigerians.
Comrade Jude Obasanmi, the Chief Responsibility Officer of the Foundation and convener of the event, noted that people were becoming increasingly creative in the use of dangerous substances, underscoring the urgency for collective action.
In addition to the lecture, the event featured the induction of new board members. Those sworn in included Mr. James Agbogun, Mr. Peters Aisagbonhi, Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Olumese, Rev. Fr. Moses Abukimen, and Mr. Fabian Ohiigbhochie.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, who was represented by Chief Magistrate Stephen Ugah.
Speaking on behalf of the new inductees, Mr. Agbogun pledged their commitment to upholding the values of the Foundation and supporting its mission to combat substance abuse and promote mental wellness.
