“According to a recent study, 85 per cent of mad people in Nigeria are youths within the age bracket of 18-38 years," he stated.
Dr Aliyu Abubakar of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, has said youth account for a high percentage of mad people in Nigeria.
Abubakar stated this in a paper entitled: ‘Drug Abuse in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Solutions,’ which he presented at a workshop for youths, organised by Bizara Youth Development Association in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
NAN reported that Abubakar noted that mental challenges affecting youth in the country is beyond drug abuse.
His words: “According to a recent study, 85 per cent of mad people in Nigeria are youths within the age bracket of 18-38 years.
“The major cause of mental challenge in Nigeria has gone beyond drug-abuse as the youths now inhale lizard faeces, putting their noses into pit toilets, smoking matches, smoking dried horse faeces and mixing lizard faeces with dye powder.
“Drug abuse disorder is a common problem affecting about 5 per cent of the of the world population with an estimated 10.2 per cent in the USA.”
Highlighting the reports of codeine consumption among youths, he stated that the consequences of drug-abuse include mental disorder, liver cirrhosis, lethargy, cardiovascular disorder, among others.
Mallam Yahaya Nuhu, Chairman, Bizara Youth Development Association, in his address, advised parents on being close to their children, just as he called for stiffer penalties against drug dealers.
He said: “Members of the society also have a role to play towards curbing the menace of drug-abuse, especially by monitoring activities of the youths.
“Additionally, community members can advise parents where necessary, and also supply vital information to relevant authorities for prompt action.”