By Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated its Consumer Safety Club at Government Girls Secondary School, Kaltungo, as part of efforts to curb drug abuse, counterfeit medicines, and substandard food products among youths.
The initiative, tagged “Catch Them Young,” focuses on raising awareness in schools, with Gombe selected as the only state in the North-East for the campaign, covering six schools.
Speaking at the event, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Gombe State Coordinator, James Agada, urged students to avoid peer pressure and stay away from drugs, noting that substance abuse has led to addiction, illness, and crime among youths.
She also emphasized the role of teachers in guiding students, urging them to identify and correct risky behaviors.
Assistant Director Musa Haruna, in a presentation, highlighted the role of the NAFDAC Consumer Safety Clubs in reducing substandard products since its inception in 2012.
The Principal of the school, Hajiya Fati Ishiaku Awak, praised NAFDAC’s efforts and promised to sustain the initiative, ensuring students remain informed and vigilant.
This intervention comes as NAFDAC intensifies its efforts to combat the growing problem of drug addiction and promote public health among Nigerian youths.