A member of the House of Representatives for Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency in Kwara State North Central Nigeria, Ahmed Adamu Saba, has spoken of his readiness to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its crusade against drug and substance abuse in the country.

Saba gave the assurance in Ilorin after he received an award presented to him in commemoration of the Press Week of Kwara State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The lawmaker, at the brief presentation, which the state Commander of NDLEA, Mohammed Bashir Ibrahim, performed on behalf of NUJ, dedicated the award to every Nigerian citizen waging war against drug abuse in the society.

Expressing worry over the frightening dimension with which youth indulge in abuse of hard drugs, the House of Representatives member warned that it would be dangerous to fold arms while watching leaders of tomorrow destroying their own future.

Saba said, “I'm dedicating this award to those fighting drug and substance abuse in our society. Their efforts at stemming the menace cannot be quantified, because they are doing this to save all of us from the danger that is lurking around us.

“We all know the aftermath of drug abuse. I'm, however, saddening at the high rate of youth involvement in substance abuse. When you go to local communities, you see them aplenty.

“We have seen some youth, who under the guise of getting energy, used hard drugs. When they go to farm from morning, they won't leave until around evening. And funnily enough, they will be working on the farms from morning till evening. They are doing this under the influence of hard drugs.

“It is impossible for you to engage in hard labour from morning till evening except you are under the influence of drug. I think it is high time we rally support for NDLEA and other stakeholders working to curb this problem.

“On my own part, I'm ready to partner with NDLEA and others to reduce this menace in our society. This has to be done to stop the looming danger that would affect our leaders of tomorrow”.

The lawmaker appreciated the media for raising awareness on drug and substance abuse in the country and urged it not to drop the ball.