The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, has said the prevalence of drug abuse is responsible for most cases of mental problems among young people.
Ehanire made this known in Port-Harcourt at a One Day seminar on Mental Health Intervention tagged: “Friends of the Brain Club,” organized by Emma Njoku Foundation.
He opined that the future of Nigeria depends on the younger generation, hence, the need to rid them of harmful substances that could impede them from achieving their goals and dreams.
A statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said he (Ehanire) lauded efforts of the Foundation in routing the spectacular direction that harps on the nation’s well-being as drugs tend to destroy the younger generation.
Represented by the Chief Medical Director of University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Prof Henry Ugboma said, Ehamire “the future and productivity of any nation depend on her younger population, especially where the youths constitute the majority or a significant proportion of the population. Anything that threatens the well-being of the youth, therefore, must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“Youths, in general, face challenges especially adolescents and younger adults. These challenges if not appropriately dealt with can lead to mental health problems or cause them unhealthy behaviour as coping mechanisms. Untreated mental health challenges and substance abuse problems are some of the greatest threats to youths achieving their lives’ aspirations and potentials.”