Benin: The Behavioural and Social Insight Initiative (BSI), a non-governmental organization, has urged for increased collaboration among government bodies, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and development partners to combat the escalating issue of opioid misuse and drug abuse among young people in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the call for action was made by Mr. Omosigho Destiny, the Project Officer of BSI, during a youth sensitization program on drug abuse held in partnership with Smile Africa. The event, which took place on Tuesday in Benin, targeted educating individuals aged 20 to 35 about the dangers of opioid misuse and substance abuse. The interactive session was attended by about 15 participants and featured health talks from medical professionals, lectures, group discussions, and a solution co-creation exercise.
Destiny highlighted that the participants made personal commitments to aid efforts aimed at preventing substance abuse in their communities. He emphasized BSI’s objective to sensitize young people, educate them, and foster dialogue about drug abuse, particularly opioid misuse. The organization adopted an open and participatory approach, allowing attendees to identify causes of drug abuse and propose practical, community-based solutions.
The initiative was inspired by an instance where an individual close to the organization developed opioid dependency after being prescribed pain medication for a heart-related illness. This experience underscored the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the need for heightened public awareness. Destiny warned against self-medication and stressed the importance of using opioid drugs strictly under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners.
BSI, a relatively new organization, has yet to establish baseline data for its interventions but has decided to start with public education and community engagement. Destiny noted that drug abuse is a growing concern among young people in Benin, with available information suggesting that about one in four youths in the city has experienced drug use or abuse in recent years. The program primarily focused on preventing opioid misuse among individuals who unknowingly develop dependence through inappropriate prescription medication use.
Destiny called for closer collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), government institutions, schools, churches, and other stakeholders to enhance awareness campaigns and preventive measures. He expressed BSI’s commitment to using behavioral research to develop evidence-based campaigns and community programs capable of driving lasting social change. Destiny also appealed for support from individuals, organizations, and development partners through partnerships, grants, and other forms of assistance, urging those struggling with drug dependence to seek professional medical help.