Stampout Drug Abuse Initiative, an NGO, has urged Nigerians to steer clear of drug abuse to build a better society. Oluwafemi Silas, the Executive Director of the organization, has called on the government to create policies and provide a conducive environment to support stakeholders' efforts in reducing drug abuse. This appeal was made during the group's fifth-anniversary celebration and unveiling of its new logo, which took place at the Ikeja Museum in Lagos. Silas stated that the organization was established on April 25, 2018, with the aim of educating and enlightening youths and the general public on the undeniable facts about drugs.

According to him, the government ought to cleanse the drug distribution system in the country and limit the availability of harmful drugs. Additionally, it should restrict access to over-the-counter drugs that can be easily abused. He further suggested that relevant government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels should continue to raise public awareness through print, social, and electronic media. He also recommended that the government should revise the drug laws to ensure that anyone, including specialists, individuals, cultivators, and carriers, involved in drug-related offenses face severe penalties.

Increase the number of rehabilitation facilities and hire competent personnel to support individuals struggling with addiction during their recovery process.

Boost the economy to generate job openings, particularly for the vulnerable teenage and youth population. Offer educational prospects to encourage productivity and avoid idleness.

Oluwafemi highlighted that the organization aided drug addicts in finding suitable rehabilitation centers for treatment and recovery.

He revealed that over the past four and a half years, the organization has made progress towards its goals by conducting seminars, campaigns, workshops, and training sessions in schools, communities, youth groups, churches, mosques, private and public organizations, and other venues.

He stated, "As we mark our fifth anniversary, we would like to bring to the notice of the government, families, educational institutions, communities, religious organizations, and other stakeholders the escalating number of youth who are involved in the misuse and abuse of drugs."

According to Oluwafemi, a survey on drug usage in Nigeria conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA) in 2018 found that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 consumed psychoactive substances for non-medical reasons.

Nonetheless, Olufemi emphasized that drug abuse encompasses a consistent pattern of drug or alcohol consumption that frequently disrupts an individual's health, employment, and social connections.

"The brain is wired to seek out pleasurable experiences and repeat them, creating a strong motivation to engage in these activities repeatedly. Addictive drugs target the brain's reward system by flooding it with a chemical called dopamine."

This results in an intense feeling of pleasure, which motivates individuals to continue taking the drug in search of that high. We firmly believe that all stakeholders involved in the battle against drug abuse and misuse must join forces to combat this menace by taking practical measures to prevent it. Therefore, we recommend the following practical steps to effectively address drug abuse in Nigeria.

According to Mr. Dapo Adeniyi, the Director of Ikeja Museum, drug abuse is on the rise, particularly among young people, and it is imperative that everyone works together to achieve a society free of drug abuse.

He praised the event organizers for taking the time to address the needs of drug abusers in society, despite the economic difficulties and hardships faced by the country.