The Creative Industry Group (CIG), an association of entertainers, has voiced deep concerns about the escalating issue of drug abuse among young Nigerians, deeming it an urgent epidemic. CIG President Felix Duke, in a Monday statement, highlighted the alarming levels of illicit drug consumption, attributing it to increased crime and risky behavior, posing a threat to both youths and the nation.
While acknowledging the involvement of some celebrities in drug-related issues, Duke clarified that not all entertainers embrace such a lifestyle. He pointed out that some parents play a role in introducing their children to substance addiction.
Duke urged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities and friendships to counteract negative influences. He stressed that if the youth drug problem is not promptly addressed as a national priority, the consequences could be severe.
To raise awareness, CIG has planned a drug abuse conference on November 28, uniting stakeholders to devise solutions to the crisis. A roadwalk on November 23 is also scheduled to attract public attention.
Duke stated, “The current level of crimes will be a child’s play. This is not the time for everybody to lie down, facing one direction, where nobody cares about it but a few people.” He emphasized that the epidemic demands attention from all of society, prompting the use of entertainers through CIG to campaign against hard drugs and minimize youth drug use.
CIG plans to take the sensitization campaign to various states, starting with Lagos, in an effort to significantly reduce widespread youth drug use across Nigerian society. Duke underscored the importance of collaborative efforts involving government, schools, security agencies, civil groups, and communities to combat the destructive epidemic jeopardizing the futures of young people.
