By Ibironke Ariyo
Saukipay Digital Services, a tech company, has stressed the need for relevant stakeholders to support efforts by the government to salvage the future of youths from drug abuse.
The Chief Technical Officer(CTO) of the company, Dr. Peter Oaya said this during a roundtable discussion with the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox rehabilitation center at its forthcoming National Youth Conference on Monday in Abuja.
The National Youth Conference event aims to address the pressing issues of drug abuse, mental health challenges, and their impact on the future of Nigerian youth.
The conference will feature a 4-day training program to be hosted in the FCT, Abuja with planned arrival and departure dates of Tuesday, June 25, and Saturday, June 29 respectively, and a symposium to be held on Friday, June 28.
Oaya said that there was a need for all stakeholders to partner with the VGADA detox centre to address issues with drug addiction and prevention.
He said that the uncontrolled consumption of these unconventional drugs had thrown many
youths into the state of insanity saying that his company would support the center on prevention and treatment.
He added that drug abuse and illicit substance abuse had consequently sent many vibrant and promising youths to their early graves.
According to him, “I am crying once again for help on behalf of the Nigerian youths because we need to come together and tackle this menace.
“What VGADA is doing is helping the government in rehabilitating and treating drug users and we are grateful for this. We will join hands to drive this course.
“On our part, we will also be working together to enlighten the youthful population of this country on the dangers of drugs and also the abuse of substances.
“We also want to inform the population that this forthcoming conference is free of charge. There will be a link that will be shared for you to participate in the event.
“We are also working fully to see that the youths have something to do and get technology to help themselves through our company, “he said.
Speaking, Chairman, Phoenix Renewable Group,
Abubakar Isa said that the youths represented
power, agility, development, ideas, transformation, and creativity among others.
Isa said that the worst victims of drugs were from the age bracket of 18 and 39 years adding that the youths were needed to move the nation forward.
He said that Phoenix group was partnering with the VGADA rehab centre on the forthcoming youth conference to aid against the menace of drug abuse.
He also said that Phoenix Group was a renewable energy company that had three subsidiaries.
According to him, the first one is Phoenix Renewables Limited, which is into home solutions and renewable energy products. The second one is Phoenix Infinite Automotive, which is into the production and assembly of electric vehicles.
“The third company is Phoenix Eco-reaction Solutions Limited, which is into fleet management and ride-hailing services.
“We are passionate about giving back to society that is why we are planning to partner with VGADA to see how we can support their programs and help in the sensitisation and training of rescued youths from drug abuse and addiction, “he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director, of VGADA detox centre, Dr. Hope Omeiza said that there was no debate about the fact that drug abuse and illicit trafficking were a worldwide problem.
Omeiza said that the problem had a far-reaching consequence because it was accompanied by crime, social vices, corruption, and terrorism.
He said that due to the invention of new technologies, the production of illicit drugs had increased adding that it makes them very cheap and readily affordable.
“In the light of this, it is very important that we raise awareness and public consciousness of the major problems that illicit drugs present to the society.
“At the same time, there is a need to remind youths and adults of the huge importance of living a drug-free life. That is the essence of the National Youths Conference, “he said.
VGADA: Groups advocate collective fight against drug abuse, illicit trafficking
