A new rehabilitation center, established by the Christabel Foundation, is set to provide a safe haven for individuals struggling with drug addiction in Nigeria. Located at Kaja Estate, Orozo Abuja, the center aims to offer comprehensive support, including love, skill acquisition, and startup funds to help individuals overcome addiction and reintegrate into society.
Dr. (Mrs) Christabel Regan Okoye, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Drug Monitoring (NANDRUM), emphasized the importance of rehabilitation in addressing drug abuse. "The best thing to do to a drug addict is to rehabilitate him or her in love and then give him skill," she said. The center plans to accommodate 30 people at a time, with a three-month graduation program that includes skill acquisition in areas like shoe making, barbing, and liquid soap production.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years actively use drugs, with the highest levels of drug use recorded among people aged 25-39. Cannabis is the most widely used drug, followed by opioids, particularly tramadol. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has also reported a significant number of youths struggling with addiction, with nearly 40% of drug users under the age of 25.
Dr. Okoye identified several causes of drug abuse, including parental carelessness, peer pressure, and lack of adherence to God's laws. She emphasized the need for parents to take an active role in guiding their children and for communities to come together to address the issue. The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching, with the potential to undermine Nigeria's future and fuel violence and criminality.
The Christabel Foundation's rehabilitation center is a step towards addressing the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria. With the support of government agencies, civil society, and development partners, it is hoped that the center will make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction. As Dr. Okoye noted: "We need a lot of grace" to address this complex issue, and collective action is necessary to prevent drug abuse and support those affected by it.