By Solomon Gumah
Dalun (N/R), Sept 01, GNA – A community level sensitisation forum targeted at creating awareness on the effects of abuse of drugs among the youth, has been held at Dalun in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region.
The forum, organised by the Dalun Youth Association, brought together other youth networks, traditional and religious leaders in the area, and was to draw attention to the effects of drugs abuse on the overall development of the community and how young people could channel their energies into meaningful socio-economic activities.
It was further to foster unity, mobilise community support, and to rekindle the spirit of patriotism needed to drive positive change and development in the area.
Mr Abukari Abdul-Razak, Chairman, Dalun Youth Association, speaking during the event, said drug abuse among some youth in the area was so precarious that there was need to adopt workable measures to stop it, hence the sensitisation forum.
He urged the youth to avoid abusing drugs and channel their time and energies into acquiring skills and pursuing higher education to enable them become responsible citizens.
He called for the provision of educational infrastructure and other learning facilities in the area to help engage the attention of the youth from abusing drugs.
Mr Abdullah Mustapha, an official of Narcotics Control Commission in the Sagnarigu Municipal, educated participants on the dangers associated with abuse of drugs and said it had severe and long lasting effects impacting various aspects of human lives.
He mentioned that excessive use of unprescribed drugs could alter the brain structure and function, as well as affect cognitive, emotional and social development of those victims.
Mr Issah Issahaku, a Mental Health Officer at the Dalun Health Centre, said addressing drug abuse among young people required education, prevention and early interventions, adding that the forum was timely and strategic.
Mr Mahama Safianu, Assembly Member for Dalun commended the Association for complementing the efforts of the Assembly in supporting the active participation and involvement of the youth in the development of the area.
He appealed to parents and guardians to demonstrate more interest in the welfare of their children to help address the issue.
GNA