By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Bundies Care Support Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Thursday called on the Kwara Government to enact policies aimed at banning the sale of vapes to young children.
Mrs Funmilayo Osiegbo, the Executive Secretary of the Initiative stated this in Ilorin, while speaking at the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed: “Break the Cycle”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is commemorated every June 26, to highlight the challenges of illicit drugs facing the society.
She described vape or Electronic-Cigarette, as a device that simulates smoking, where the user inhales vapour.
Osiegbu enjoined the Kwara Government to put in place laws that will declare the state a tobacco-free zone, especially for children under 18 years old.
She lamented that young children are increasingly indulging in vaping in Kwara.
According to her, the substances that is used for vaping consist of nicotine, which is a psychoactive drug in tobacco.
Osiegbu explained that vaping is as harmful as smoking, and can be addictive with potentially harmful chemicals in the body.
She pointed out that the organization would continue to partner the state government on ensuring that policies are put in place to protect children from vaping and other illicit drug use.
Also speaking, the Kwara Commissioner for Social Development, Dr NnaFatima Imam reiterated the commitment of the Kwara Government to stop illicit drug abuse among youth.
She explained that one of the ways the state is controlling illicit drug use among youth, includes testing school students before sitting for exams.
According to her, even teachers will undergo drug test before engaging them into services.
Imam warned that illicit drug use causes mental retardation, violence and poverty,
NAN reports that sidelines of the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking includes sensitization walk across Ilorin metropolis on the danger of drug abuse.
