Gombe youth parliament launches drug abuse campaign, emphasises harm reduction

By Najib Sani, Gombe 

The Gombe State Youth Parliament has taken a bold step in the fight against drug abuse with a campaign that highlights the importance of harm reduction strategies.

The event which held on Saturday drew participation from various youth organisations, aims to create awareness and promote support for individuals struggling with substance use.

Speaker of the Gombe State Youth Parliament, Aliyu Danladi, explained that the event tagged "Campaign Against Drugs and Other Social Atrocities", citing alarming statistics that 21% of young people in Gombe are into drug abuse. 

He charged members of the parliament to take the campaign to their various constituencies, stressing the need for collective action.

Danladi thanked the participants, sponsors and partners for their support, stating that the campaign was a crucial step towards addressing the drug abuse menace in the state.

A fellow of Youth Rise Nigeria, Saleh Katam, emphasised the need to shift focus from stigmatisation to counseling and support for individuals struggling with substance use.

"We can't continue to say no to drug abuse, but we can reduce the harm," he stated, urging policymakers to prioritise rehabilitation and support for those affected.

The youth advocates attributed drug addiction to hopelessness and lack of opportunities, calling on the government to provide hope and jobs for citizens. 

"If government gives citizens hope and jobs, they will shun drug abuse naturally," they asserted.

The campaign featured participation from prominent youth organisations, including Youth O'clock, Drugs Free and Health Awareness Initiative, Drugs Free And Preventive Health Care Organisation, and Leo Initiative, INEC, among others.