Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Editor-in-Chief of Apexnewsgh, has issued an urgent appeal to the government, through the Ministry of Health, to establish dedicated rehabilitation centers in every region to address the growing crisis of youth drug and alcohol abuse.
His call comes on the heels of his investigative documentary, “Swallowed by Drugs,” which shines a spotlight on the struggles faced by young people caught in the web of addiction.
In the documentary, Mr. Ngamegbulam emphasizes the pressing need for government action, stating, “There is a need for the government to establish a rehabilitation center in every region for youth ignorantly abusing drugs. I have come to realize that the majority of these youth need help. Some have fallen into drug abuse not by choice, but due to circumstances beyond their control.”
Watch the full documentary below:
Through his interactions with youth involved in substance abuse, Mr. Ngamegbulam discovered that many lack parental guidance and have become disconnected from their families. For some, drug abuse is normalized within their homes; parents themselves are sometimes substance abusers, making it difficult for children to recognize the dangers of their own behavior.
He also highlighted the plight of children who, instead of being in school, resort to menial jobs like “kayakaya” (loading boys) at transportation stations, simply as a means of survival. For many, drugs have become a crutch, with some youths proudly declaring that they cannot live without substances.
“These accounts from my engagement with these youth prove that they need government intervention,” Mr. Ngamegbulam explained. “Instead of arresting these young abusers and placing them in police cells, I suggest government, through the Ministry of Health, should prioritize establishing rehabilitation centers across the regions.”
He further noted that existing private rehabilitation centers are often prohibitively expensive, placing them out of reach for the families of most victims. “The fees are exorbitant, and many families simply cannot afford the help their children desperately need,” he said.
Through his documentary and continued advocacy, Mr. Ngamegbulam hopes to spur policymakers into action, ensuring that every region has accessible, affordable support for youth struggling with addiction, giving them a chance at recovery, reintegration, and a brighter future.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
