Drug abuse: FCTA sensitises commercial drivers in Gwagwalada

By Stanley Onyekwere

In furtherance to its reinvigorated efforts to tackling the menace of drug abuse in the Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has taken its sensitisation and awareness campaign to commercial drivers, in Gwagwalada Motor Park, in the Territory.
A statement from Assistant Director, Information at the Secretariat, Badaru Yakasai, said the transporters were drilled on the dangers of indiscriminate use of illicit drugs to their wellbeing and the society.
It added that the campaign which was tagged “Dangers of indiscriminate use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) products”, FCTA’s effort to discourage FCT residents especially motor park communities from abusing drugs and other substances that are harmful to health.
Speaking at the occasion, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe noted that the packaging such a campaign gives the secretariat the opportunity to interact with motor park users in FCT, so as to address the widespread use of TCAM products that are unhealthy.
Fasawe, who was represented at the occasion by Director, Pharmaceutical Services, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Pharm. Aisha Ahmad Fari noted that, although traditional remedies have been in use for centuries, but their indiscriminate use poses significant dangers to the health and well-being of an individual such as toxicity, which can cause accidents and varying fatalities when used by drivers as well as organ damage, adverse reactions, allergic reactions when interacted with other medications.
She cautioned drivers to ensure they sleep as much as possible before embarking on trips, in order not to doze off, and not opt for illicit TCAM products popularly known as “Agbo” to stay active, because of its adverse effects.
She also stressed that drivers should seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals before using any TCAM products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Earlier, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at HSES, Pharm. Boniface Ikwu explained that the campaign is necessary to cushion the use of substances like sachet alcohol common among drivers and other users because such substances alter perceptions which comes with very severe effects and consequences to the driver and passengers.
Ikwu noted that that the choice of Motor Parks and commercial drivers for the awareness campaign was to reiterate the importance of health and wellness of FCT residents to the FCT Administration.
He urged the drivers to take heed on the negative effects of lethal combinations of “Agbo” formulations with alcoholic drinks to vital organs of the body.
Furthermore, Pharm. Uche Eze, who delivered a lecture on dangers inherent in TCAM, stressed that, because it is from a natural source (roots and herbs) it does not mean it is safe, hence not being exposed to the harmful substances is the best cautioned, because the consequences are gross and very expensive.