In a proactive effort to combat drug abuse and counterfeit products among Nigerian youths, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) at Community Secondary School, Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate drug education and consumer awareness into school programs, equipping students with critical knowledge to make informed choices.
Speaking at the launch, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by NAFDAC’s Anambra State Coordinator, Pharm. Louis Chinweike Madubuattah, underscored the growing threat of substance abuse among adolescents and the urgent need for early intervention.
“By engaging students at the grassroots level, we are fostering a generation that is not only aware of the dangers of drug abuse but also equipped to advocate for safer communities,” she stated.
The Consumer Safety Club initiative, designed to be interactive and educational, aims to create peer-driven advocacy within schools. Students will be trained to identify fake drugs and harmful substances, understand NAFDAC’s role in public health, and serve as ambassadors for safe consumer practices.
With 14.3 million Nigerians reportedly struggling with drug-related issues, Prof. Adeyeye warned of the severe consequences of substance abuse, including addiction, impaired judgment, and mental health disorders. She urged educators and parents to collaborate in reinforcing positive values and resilience among students.
Welcoming the initiative, school principal, Mrs. Maureen Onwuemenam, commended NAFDAC for prioritizing youth education in its public health agenda. She emphasized that early exposure to regulatory knowledge and drug awareness would help students make informed decisions that impact their well-being and future.
To ensure the success of the program, Mrs. Chioma Agina and Mrs. Immaculata Nwankwo were appointed as club facilitators, tasked with coordinating activities, mentorship, and student engagement.
Through initiatives like the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club, the agency is not just curbing drug abuse but also building a well-informed, responsible generation capable of championing public health and safety across Nigeria.
