Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has counseled children on the dangers of drug abuse, calling on parents and school authorities, to rise up and curb the menace.

He was speaking at the 2019 Children’s Day celebration, held at the M.K.O Abiola International stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, yesterday.

According to him, drug abuse sometimes leads to drug addiction, which he noted, is a disease that affects the brain and behaviour.

“When one is addicted to drugs, he or she will not be able to resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel.

“You may think you can control how much and how often you use it. But over time, illegal use of drugs will change how your brain works. These physical and psychological changes can last a life-time. They can make you lose self-control and can lead you to damaging behaviours,” he added.

Calling on all management committees of various schools to kick against all forms of drug abuse and put in place adequate mechanisms for safety of the children, Amosun urged parents to always be good examples to their children.

Quoting renowned American novelist, playwright, and activist, James Baldwin, he said “children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them”, adding: “Since children are good imitators, let us give them something great by showing them good values to imitate.

“It is a correct fact that children learn faster by what they see. Let us, as elders, always be law abiding, and, do what is morally right for the young ones to emulate.”

He revealed that his administration has directed the management of all schools across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in the state, to provide adequate measures of safety and security for their students.

Amosun called on families, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, human rights activists, and the society at large, to rise up and take urgent and decisive actions to stem the rising cases of drug abuse among children.

He said there is a need to ensure safety of children in homes, schools, markets and worship centres, on the streets and everywhere at all times.

Highlighting the giant strides of his government in the protection of children against the abuse of drugs, he said a Drug Control Committee, which comprises members from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); the State Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has been set up, to campaign against drug abuse and the use of illicit substances, among them.

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