The latest BBC Africa Pidgin documentary Sweet Sweet Codeine really packed a punch as for the first time government took an overdue action by enforcing a ban on the use of codeine in cough syrup.
Substance abuse in Nigeria cuts across ethnic, political and social status divides and no one is spared from the menace of this abuse.
I often wonder why the need to get high is so prevalent in our society. Imagine people getting high of lizard dung, tramadol, sniffing pit latrines or adhesive glue.
From the comments by the different organizations who were indicted, one can infer that they care more about their brand name and profit margins than the lives of citizens.
In my opinion the regulatory bodies should be better empowered to check the operating policies behind the companies producing these substances.
Youth empowerment through the schools Drug Free Club should be revived and the youth on the streets should be educated on the dangers of substance abuse.
I believe the journalists who risked their lives to make the documentary deserved to be commended. And the enforcing of the ban on the use of codeine as an active ingredient in cough syrup should be wholly enforced.
Addicts should be prompted rehabilitated and taken care of by trained menatal health practitioners.
Thanks.
