YOUTHS AND DRUG ABUSE IN BENIN CITY: RELIGION AS A PANACEA

ABSTRACT

This study critically analyzed the issues of youths and drug abuse in Benin City, with a view of using religion as a panacea. The problem of drug abuse is one of the most challenges facing all society and nations across the globe. No society can make significant development and progress where their youths have chosen to indulge in smoking and taking of all kinds of drugs. Excess intake of drug leads to drugs abuse. And against the evils and the negative effects it has on the human society, governments of the world and other agencies have continued in effort to fight against the menace. This is not different from the Nigerian situation. Thus, in desiring to curtail this menace, the Nigerian Government through the establishment NDLEA and NAFDAF have been on the battle against drugs trafficking and drugs abuse. The most disturbed of this is that despite all efforts by the authority of the Nigerian Government to fight and reduce the rate of drugs abuse among its youths, it is sad and regrettable that drugs abuses continue to be on the increase among youths in Benin City. It is against this backdrop and bankrupt that this project was undertaken by the researcher. Findings from the personal interview which the researcher granted with some citizens living in Benin City metropolis combined with the materials consulted which served as parts of the literature review, it was discovered that drug abuses are on the increase in Benin City. The researcher also discovered that while the Government has made significant progress in winning the fight against this menace, it was however observed that their efforts alone are not sufficient; hence this informed the researcher to call for an endorsement of religion as an alternative mechanism in addressing this problem. Therefore, the study strongly recommends the application of the role of religion in addressing the problem of drugs abuse in Benin City.