Funke Busari, Lagos
Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN, on Saturday embarked on a sensitisation walk to campaign against drug abuse.
Members of the association walked in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2021.
Leading the campaign, journalists reporting crime activities in collaboration with government agencies such as NAPTIP, NEMA, LASTMA and secondary school students took the fight against drug to some streets in Lagos informing people about the negative impact of mind-altering substances.
Participants started the walk as early as 8:00a.m from Oduduwa in Ikeja GRA area, journeyed through Isaac John Street before they exited to the Mobolaji Bank Anthony way down to Maryland Bustop and returned to CRAN press centre.
Participants distributed fliers bearing anti-drug abuse message, themed,” Together, We Can Tackle The World Drug Problem!” educating residents, motorists, traders against the danger of drugs as they walk along.
While on the return leg of the walk, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu stopped by at Onigbongbo Bustop, area of Maryland to applaud the intervention.
Speaking to participants, CP Odumosu expressed appreciation for the initiative to sensitize the public about illegal drugs.
He decried the unprecedenting effect of drugs among youths and adults in the country.
He said, “What you are doing is collaborating with the State & Federal Government and the society.”
“Drug is evil, when you see those under the influence of drugs, they keep on killing people, going for robbery and when they are arrested they look like jelly, that is when it has subsided in their body,” he said.
The Police boss however appealed to parents and guardians to monitor movements of their youths.
He urged parents to ask their children who their friends are and what they take in.
Giving further tips, CP Odumosu said parents should check their children’s bag before they go to work.
He opined that failure of parents to discharge their responsibility is contributing to the unprecedented drug menace.
