The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck, has raised an alarm over the rising cases of illicit drug abuse in Bayelsa state, declaring that such worrisome spike has led to high rate of school drop out.
A coalition of Civil Society Groups, made up of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Do Foundation and the National Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence also agrees with the position of the NAS, adding that the rate of youth delinquency and petty crimes have risen within the state.
This position was put forward during a two-hour live phone-in radio programme, tagged “National Drug Awareness and Back-to-School Project” organized by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck, on Radio Bayelsa Glory FM 97.1
The radio programme featured a high-powered panelists including a legal practitioner, Founder of DO Foundation and President of the National Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence, Dr. Dise Ogbise Harry, the State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Comrade David West and the State Correspondent of The Sun Newspapers, Mr Femi Folaranmi.
The Steerer of Oxbow Marino Deck, Chief Douglas Sampson Etulankimor, while highlighting the purpose of the National Drug Awareness and Back-to-School project” organized by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, Oxbow Marino Deck, said the project is meant to salvage the future of Nigerian youths.
“Our National Drug Awareness and Back-to-School project is not just about providing materials, but about counselling and steering our youth away from these destructive paths,” he stated.
The panelists expressed concern over the menace of drug abuse in Bayelsa, which must be tackled urgently.
They identified parental upbringing, lack of quality education, peer pressure, and societal influence as some of the factors driving the prevalence of substance abuse in the state.
According to them, parents and school authorities have a role to play in ensuring Bayelsa youths are saved from the scourge of drug abuse.
Outlining the legal ramifications of drug abuse, Dr Ogbise Harry stated that many young people are unaware that a single act of possession can lead to a criminal record that can shatter their academic dreams and future employability.
Echoing his concerns, Mr Folaranmi called for more decisive steps by law enforcement agencies especially by the NDLEA, to clamp down on suspected youths into drug abuse.
“The NDLEA has performed creditably well under its CEP, General Buba Marwa. But it can still do more by ensuring that it does not allow impunity to thrive with those found abusing drugs. It should work with the Legislative arm of government to enact more stringent laws that will make drug abuse very unattractive to our youth, ’’ he said.
Mr David West broadened the discussion to societal failures, stating that the country must look at the root causes: unemployment, lack of recreational facilities, and poverty.
He also posited that “while we must punish drug peddlers, we must see the users as victims needing rehabilitation, not just incarceration. The community, especially parents, must be the first line of defence,” he urged.
The studio line was opened for calls from concerned parents and community members, who called in to highlight the public’s anxiety over the issues.
The panelists unanimously advised stronger parent-child communication, collaboration between schools and local security networks, and increased support for community-based interventions like that by NAS /PC.
The programme concluded with a strong consensus that safeguarding the youth from drugs is a collective responsibility essential for securing a brighter academic future and prospects for students in the state.
