Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on African youths struggling with drug and substance addiction to seek help rather than conceal their challenges, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from such habits.
He also cautioned young people to avoid drugs, noting that addiction can ruin both their aspirations and their lives.
Obasanjo shared this advice during the second edition of the Fly Above The High anti-drug sensitization program, organized by the Recovery Advocacy Network in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
He pointed out that “drug use in Africa is a growing problem, and it has worsened over the past decade.”
The elder statesman urged youths struggling with addiction to be open about their situation and seek help to avoid the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including premature death.
Reflecting on his time as Chairman of the West African Drug Commission, under the Kofi Annan Foundation, he shared that there were nine members on the commission.
They toured West Africa, initially believing the region was free from drugs, which typically originate in Latin America and are trafficked to North America and Europe.
He expressed regret, saying, “To our shock, disappointment, and sorrow, we discovered at the end of our efforts that West Africa had also become a major hub for drug consumption, and in a very harmful way.”
“That was over a decade ago, and since then, the situation has worsened. What affects West Africa is also impacting other parts of Africa,” he added.
Obasanjo pleaded with the youth to avoid drugs, stressing the devastating impact addiction has on their lives and urging them never to give in to the temptation of using drugs for any reason.
Obasanjo shared that he speaks about drugs with great seriousness due to a personal experience with a cousin, a carpenter who became addicted and tragically passed away from substance abuse despite Obasanjo’s best efforts to help him recover and live a normal life.
He also mentioned that he has been living with diabetes for over 40 years and, by God’s grace, is still alive. Obasanjo added that he knows several friends who had diabetes but passed away, attributing his own longevity to careful attention to his diet and following his doctor’s guidance.
Obasanjo emphasized that people struggling with addiction should not conceal it and should seek help before it’s too late. He called for public support for those who are willing to overcome their drug use, noting that offering a prayer for them could make a significant difference in their recovery.
