The Lagos State Government has advised teenagers and youths against negative peer pressure that could lead to drug abuse and illicit trafficking activities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, gave the advice recently at a school awareness and sensitisation programme held to commemorate the 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Ogboye, according to a statement by the ministry, noted that peer pressure has been linked to drug and substance abuse, misuse, addiction and illicit trafficking, especially among teenagers and youths.
Represented by the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs Oyebisi Omolanbe, Ogboye explained that teenagers and youths may be influenced to use and abuse drugs if their peers are doing it.
“Peers play a significant role in our lives, especially in late childhood and adolescence.
“However, negative peer pressure with regards to misuse and abuse of drugs and substances as well as trafficking of the same comes with a lot of burden and negative consequences,” he said.
He added that young people must be equipped with skills and the ability to take their minds off drugs and stand up to say “no” to peers who may want to lure them into drug abuse.
“We are here to sensitise, educate and empower young minds with information that will help them make the right choices.
“Knowledge, they say, is power, so, having the right information about the abuse of drugs and substances and how to stay clear of it cannot be overemphasised.
“Drug and substance abuse can affect every aspect of a child’s life and also have a negative effect on society. So, the earlier we nip it in the bud, the better for our youths and the society,” Ogboye said.