PSN Raises Alarm Over Drug Abuse In Nigeria
The president of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Ahmed Yakasai, has raised the alarm over drug abuse in Nigeria, saying it could cause national catastrophe if the scourge is not immediately tackled.
The PSN boss stated this on Wednesday at a press conference held in Lagos to herald the forthcoming 90thannual national conference of the society billed to hold in Abia State.
Yakasai said he had before now, led a delegation to the National Assembly to draw the attention of the assembly to the menace of drug abuse especially amongst the youths in the country.
He said, “The issue of drug abuse and misuse has reached an unprecedented level in the country. The uses of cough syrup with codeine , tramadol , rohypnol and others have experienced an exponential increase. It is a maxim that the problem is non respecter of tribe, religion, sex , language, social status or political afflictions. We are all affected, the young, old, rural and urban, poor and rich , educated and otherwise”.
Yakasai said that he was elated that the senate is taking the issue seriously, adding that they are currently preparing a comprehensive report on the way forward.
He said that the need for the establishment of a National Drug Abuse Rehabilitation center cannot be overemphasized, assuring that PSN will work with all relevant stakeholders to make sure that drug abuse and misuse in the country is reduced to the minimum.
Yakasai said that the Speaker, House of representatives, will declare the conference open in company of the Chief host, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the governor of Abia State, while Mr. Peter Obi will be the Chairman.
