The Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports is set to launch its ‘I Choose Life’ campaign to address the emotional pressures that push youths into substance abuse during the lockdown to arrest the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Deeply concerned about the effect of the social distancing measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the consequential economic hardships that may follow on the emotional and physical wellbeing of Nigerians, the ministry is launching the campaign to support young people in making healthy lifestyle choices by avoiding abuse of drugs and illegal substances.

The minister, Sunday Dare, said: “The past few weeks have been extremely disruptive for most of us. We have all taken a hit in one way or another. Our traditional lifestyle is predominantly community-oriented…”

“Youths are at the stage of their lives were schooling, socialising, entertainment, sports and relaxation from daily routine and the core of the expression of our youthfulness.

“In the past few weeks and in the next few months, it seems that routine is being defined not by our own choice but by the realities of a pandemic that is ravaging the world until a solution is found.”

The minister, who had reportedly spoken to many young people and felt their pain, said “there is boredom, anxiety, hopelessness and uncertainty for the future. The usual channels to let off stress and steam have been disrupted and it gives a sense of gloom. I am quite concerned about the effect on the mental, physical and emotional well-being of our young people at this time.”

The ministry is partnering other organisations to ensure that the media programmes complement other community and school-based anti-drug programmes when consistent messages are conveyed through a variety of channels and in several different contexts. (The Guardian)

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