"Drug Abuse/Misuse Amongst Our Youths, Is A Scourge We Must Combat"...Margaret Kwa'ada Julius

Mrs. Margaret Kwa'ada Julius

The scourge of drug abuse and its misuse amongst youths in our society, is one battle every concerned Nigerian must join hands with government and Non-Governmental Organisations who, as partners in progress, strive to tackle this menace.



Speaking at one day sensitization programme with its theme, "The Youths; Our Leaders of Tomorrow", National President of the Eye Opener Women and Youth Foundation, Mrs. Margaret Kwa'ada Julius recently in Kaduna, told newsmen that, unless all well meaning individuals act as concerned parents and guardians and join hands together to effectively combat the scourge, the future of Nigerian youths remains an issue that will work against the growth and development of the country.

The Eye Opener President, who passionately appealed to traditional leaders in Makera to see how they can take one child out of the street, commended the District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijiani (Baradan Kudun Zazzau) for his immense support and fatherly figure in providing counselling to the youths and preaching the need for peace and unity amongst everyone.

Alh. Tijiani, in his speech, disclosed that Makera as a community has been able to address youths restiveness, crime and criminality even as he enjoined the youths who are desirous of getting educational support to feel free to call upon him for assistance and advice.

Kwa'ada Julius while speaking exclusively with Naij News Alert, revealed that she had, at several occasions, provided soft loans without interest to women and youths who wished to become self sufficient or, learn skills that would enable them become financially independent.

According to her, many beneficiaries refused to return the loans but that did not deter her from further reaching out to others who were in dire need. While some had issues of paying their schools fees and meeting up with some other health challenges.

"I have always left my doors open to these women and youths despite the financial encumbrances being encountered. It has been a long time dream and passion to help youths get off the streets and drugs".

"With the right support and encouragement, many of these youths will eventually drop the habit of drug abuse and misuse and this will also, help curb crime and criminality in our communities", she stated.

One of the youths who spoke with Naij News Alert, on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that he dumped the habit of drug abuse when he encountered "Mata Pastor" (as Mrs. Margaret Julius is fondly referred to by the youths) who not only took him as her child but also, ensured that he returned back to school.

"My life is better today as I am now a HND holder of Peace and Conflict Resolution and that has opened my eyes, through the Eye Opener Foundation that, a life of drugs does not pay".

"We must stay away from drugs as it will only put us into trouble and also create problems for our families and loved ones. A life of drugs will only lead to a waste of one's life and one ending up as thugs ND hired hands to some politicians who only use us for the selfish interests and dump us when we need them most", he said.