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Reps proposes mandatory drug test for secondary school students
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By Francesca Hangeior
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministries of Education and Health to collaborate and develop a mandatory drug testing programme for secondary school students in Nigeria.
The House also urged the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to increase awareness about substance abuse among secondary school students nationwide.
The Committees on Basic Education and Services and Healthcare Services were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Introduce Mandatory Drug Testing for Secondary School Students in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun during plenary on Thursday, February 29.
The House noted that adolescence is a critical period for drug abuse, influenced by factors such as experimental curiosity, peer pressure, poor socio-economic conditions at home and the need for extra energy for daily activities.
It also noted that the youth are critical stakeholders in fostering socio-economic development in the country and their vulnerability to societal vices necessitates strategic government intervention to secure their wellbeing and enhance their contributions to national development.
The House worried that substance abuse among young people is fast becoming a global public health concern, gradually leading to complications like personality disorders, drug dependence, and death.
It also worried that according to studies that showed a notable prevalence of drug and substance abuse across secondary schools in Nigeria, one in every four students aged between 15-19 years abused substances, and codeine-containing syrup and tramadol topped the list of drugs, ranking higher than cannabis.
The House said it was aware that Random Student Drug Testing (RSDT) is a drug prevention programme whereby students are tested for recent use of illegal substances and is aimed at deterring drug use and identifying students who need help with staying drug-free.
The House said it was cognizant that a mandatory routine and random drug testing for students is for preventive, not punitive purposes and early intervention is crucial for achieving success in tackling the menace of substance abuse.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
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The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
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Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure
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