Female Drug Abuse Rising in Ogun, NDLEA and NAS Raise Concern
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has raised concerns over the growing rate of substance abuse among young people, particularly teenage girls, in Ogun State.
The groups made this known during an awareness walk across major areas of Abeokuta, including Jide Jones, Sapon, Omida, Panseke and Oke-Ilewo, as part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking during the event, the Capoon of Ash Montana Deck, Ganiu Omitogun, disclosed that an estimated 7–10 per cent of adolescent girls and 15–20 per cent of boys in Abeokuta are involved in substance abuse.
He expressed concern over the increasing impact of drug abuse on young women, noting that many affected girls face greater exposure to sexual exploitation, coercion and gender-based violence.
Omitogun explained that societal stigma surrounding female substance use often discourages victims from seeking help, pushing the problem underground and limiting access to rehabilitation and support services.
He also lamented the shortage of gender-sensitive rehabilitation centres in Ogun State, saying many young women lack safe and accessible pathways to recovery.
According to him, inadequate protective structures in environments such as markets, motor parks and schools have further exposed vulnerable girls to harmful influences and contributed to increasing school dropout rates.
He warned that substance abuse among young women could also have long-term effects on maternal and reproductive health, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications, neonatal health conditions and developmental challenges in children.
The organisers called for stronger community support, targeted interventions and improved rehabilitation services to address the growing challenge and protect vulnerable groups.
COMMENTS