Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a powerful call to African youths to avoid the destructive habit of drug abuse, warning that it can lead to untimely death and irreparable damage. Speaking at the second edition of the Fly Above The High sensitization programme, organized by the Recovery Advocacy Network at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, he discussed the growing issue of drug consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Obasanjo emphasized that the problem of drug abuse in Africa is no longer limited to being a transit hub for drugs but has become a pressing issue in its own right. He noted the rising rates of consumption, particularly over the past decade, and urged those affected to seek help and not conceal their struggles.

“Addiction is a disease. Some diseases cannot be cured but can be managed,” Obasanjo explained, sharing a personal story about the tragic loss of a cousin to a drug-related death, despite multiple attempts at rehabilitation. He urged individuals battling addiction to reach out before it’s too late, stressing that seeking support is crucial to preventing catastrophic consequences.

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The former president also shared insights from his time as Chairman of the West African Drug Commission, a part of the Kofi Annan Foundation, where it became evident that West Africa had become a major center of drug consumption, a situation that has only worsened in the last decade.

Dr. Kunle Adesina, President of the Recovery Advocacy Network, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, calling for more extensive campaigns to educate young people about the dangers of drugs. Adesina revealed alarming statistics, showing that 14.3 million Nigerians have used some form of substance in the past six months, with one in five users being female. He called for stronger legislation and collective action to tackle the growing epidemic.

Mental health expert Dr. Sam Abah highlighted the damaging effects of drug abuse on the brain, warning that addiction could severely jeopardize a person’s future. Meanwhile, Dr. Abubakar Salami, Vice President of the Recovery Advocacy Network and a former drug addict, shared his inspiring recovery journey, urging those struggling with addiction to embrace faith and determination.