The Jolly Rogers Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity has expressed worry that despite campaigns, there is still high prevalence of drug abuse in the society.
The deck particularly decried that, as a result of substance abuse, many youths were losing their mental abilities, thereby unable to meaningfully contribute to societal development.
This worry informed a sensitisation campaign by the deck at the Bodija market, Ibadan, where resource persons addressed persons in the market perceived to be abusing drugs.
In his remarks, leader of the deck, Mr Olufemi Adesope expressed worry that the society continued to be deprived of sharp minds, a bright future as many youths in the country consumed hard drugs.
Though he noted that it was challenging for persons addicted to hard drugs to stop at once, he said a gradual reduction in its consumption was possible alongside seeking psychological support.
One of the resource persons, Mrs Bolarinwa Taiwo, who is Chief Nursing Officer, Jericho Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, warned of the long term effects of consumption of hard drugs to include problems to the liver, kidney, heart, hepatitis disease and mental problems that can lead to madness.
She decried the continued destruction of lives as well as impaired judgment of youths as a result of consumption of hard drugs.
She enjoined youths to desist from drugs so as to achieve a bright future, and seek psychological help to leave drugs.
Another resource person, Mrs Kehinde Ajibode noted that drugs abuse hugely stressed the brain making it difficult for people to think right.
She added that drug abusers also suffered insomnia, and acting under influence, they could engage in acts that could send them to prison.
No matter the years of drug abuse, she said abusers can make a U-turn through medical and psychological guidance.
In his own remarks, Mr Okekearu Fabian, the second vice president of the Jolly Rogers Deck, said the deck was keen on a better, healthier and saner society hence the sensitisation campaign at the Bodija market, Ibadan.