0
0
The Bundies Care Support Initiative, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has called on Kwara State Government to enact policies geared towards banning sale of vape, electronic cigarette to young children.
The Executive Director of Bundies Care Support Initiative, a coalition member of Protecting & Activating Communities against Tobacco (PACT), Funmilayo Osiegbu, made the call at the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed: “Break the Cycle”.
The day is commemorated every June 26, to highlight the challenges of illicit drugs facing the society.
Mrs Osiegbu described vape or Electronic-Cigarette, as a device that simulates smoking, whereby the user inhales vapour.
She enjoined Government to put in place laws that would declare the State a tobacco-free zone, especially for children under 18 years old.
Mrs Osiegbu who decried the increasing number of children indulging in vaping in Kwara, stated that the substances used for the product, consist of nicotine, which is a psychoactive drug in tobacco.
She explained that vaping is as harmful as smoking, and could be addictive with potentially harmful chemicals in the body.
The Executive Director of Bundies Care Support Initiative pointed out that the organization would continue to partner the State government on ensuring that policies are put in place to protect children from vaping and other illicit drug use.
In an address, the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr NnaFatima Imam reiterated the Government’s commitment to stop illicit drug abuse among youth.
Dr Imam explained that one of the ways the State is controlling illicit drug use among youth, includes testing school students before sitting for exams while teachers are made to undergo drug test before engaging their services.
She warned that illicit drug use causes mental retardation, violence and poverty.
Highpoint of the event was a sensitization walk across Ilorin metropolis in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
NAN
