COYPED Want Drug Abuse Combated

As youth across the country celebrate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, the Consolidated Youth for Peace and Development, (COYPED) has called for a vehement combat against drug abuse in the country.

Speaking Friday, June 26, 2015, at program making the celebration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking held at the Y.M.C.A on Broad Street in Monrovia, the Executive Director of COYPED, Mr. James Koryor called on national government and relevant stakeholders in the drug sector to save the younger generation that is greatly involved in the usage of harmful drugs.

Mr. Koryor underscored the need for young people to distance themselves from drug abuse and illicit trafficking, because according to him, a huge percent of the young people has been affected by drug use in the country.

He mentioned that the Government of Liberia should do much in terms of caving out policies and deterrent measures that discourage the perishing generation that is being taken over by drug in Liberia.

The Head of the Consolidated Youth for Peace and Development stressed that many young boys and girls are dropped out of school as result of drug consequence and influence.

Koryor wants the Drug Enforcement Agency partner with youth and advocacy organizations to intensify the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

He pointed out that the government should muster courage to implement youth policy on abuse and prevention.

Serving as keynote speaker, the proxy for Senator Jewel Howard Taylor, Titus Charlie noted that drug has made young Liberians hopeless and creates serious impediment to social, economic, cultural and political life of the country.

Mr. Charlie stressed that Liberia continues to suffer due to the constant usage of drugs by young children and older people who supposed to be future leaders.

He indicated that the early use of drug increases a person chances of developing addiction and other serious drug problem.

The Staffer in Senator Taylor Office stressed that the prevention of early use of drugs or alcohol may go a long way in reducing the risks.

Mr. Charlie indicated that the risk of drug abuse increases greatly during time of transition and for adult, a loose of job may lead to drug abuse.

He mentioned that prevention starts with parents, and they are under obligation to ensure that the kids do not take drugs, tobacco or alcohol, and they should start to talk to and listen to their kids, and help them to make good choice and friends.

Also speaking at the program, Assistant Information Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Albert K. Jaja pointed out that the fight against drug abuse should be collective.

He noted that the fight requires the disclosure of the hideouts of drug traders, and a strong drug law that prohibits or bars the usage of drug in the country.

Also addressing the event, the Assistant Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Lance Gbagonyon mentioned that the government needs to intensify the fight against drug abuse in order to create a secure and safe society.

He indicated that as the result of drug use, majority of the young people are wayward, and are left out of mainstream development of the country.

For his part, the Vice President of the Press Union of Liberia, Jallah Grayfield frowned on the harmful use of drug in the country something he said retards or hinders the growth and development of young people in Liberia.

He called on the media to join the fight against drug abuse by airlifting stories and articles on the effects of drug in the country.

The event brought together hundreds of students and youths, who were told about the harmful effects of drug in Liberia.

The students were also taught about their role and responsibilities in the combat against drug and they were encouraged by panelists to desist from the harmful use of drug.

The second session of the event focused on the panel discussion where civil society organization and the Drug Enforcement Agency made separate presentations.

Mr. Apostle C. Weah, Executive Director of the Teen Challenge Liberia presented on the role of CSOs in preventing drug abuse in post war Liberia.

Agent Emmanuel G. Wonleh presented on the role of the Drug Enforcement Agency in the fight to prevent drug abuse in post war Liberia, while Mr. King Arthur Becker presented on the role of youth in preventing drug abuse in post war Liberia.