Abuja: Most Rev. Peter Ogunmuyiwa, the Archbishop of the African Church Cathedral Bethel, Abuja, says parental neglect is one of the primary drivers fuelling the rise in drug abuse and other social vices among young people. Ogunmuyiwa made these remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, during the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the World Drug Day, observed globally every June 26, highlights this year’s theme, ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting issues, new challenges, and innovative responses.’ The cleric urged parents to take greater responsibility for monitoring and guiding their children. He emphasized the role of parents as watchdogs over their families, advocating for closer attention to the activities, associations, and lifestyles of their children.
Ogunmuyiwa expressed concern over the disconnection between parents and their children, leaving the youth vulnerable to drug abuse and criminal activities. He also highlighted the growing impact of digital space and social media on young people, stressing the need for parents to be aware of their children’s online consumption and the influences shaping their behavior.
He noted that many social problems could be traced back to a breakdown in family supervision and the failure of parents to instill discipline and godly values in their children. He reminded that children are gifts from God entrusted to their care, and parents would be accountable for how they raised them. The cleric emphasized the importance of training children in the fear of God, noting that strong moral foundations serve as effective safeguards against substance abuse and other destructive behaviors.
Ogunmuyiwa also highlighted the role of churches in complementing parental efforts by providing moral guidance, counseling, mentorship, and spiritual support for young people. He described the church as a center of hope and transformation, capable of assisting individuals struggling with addiction and other life challenges. He urged faith-based organizations to intensify efforts in promoting positive values and strengthening families.
He called on society to show compassion towards individuals battling substance abuse, advocating for recovery and rebuilding of lives with the right support and intervention. The cleric encouraged those struggling with addiction to seek help, describing every intervention as a potential turning point towards a better future. Churches, he added, should continue providing spiritual and emotional support for individuals seeking freedom from addiction.
Ogunmuyiwa commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the country. He acknowledged the agency’s significant sacrifices in protecting communities from the dangers of illicit drugs and urged their officers to remain steadfast in their responsibilities.
The archbishop called for greater public support for the agency, noting that the fight against drug abuse required collective efforts from families, religious institutions, communities, and the government. He offered prayers for NDLEA officers, asking for divine protection and reward for their service to the nation. Prayers were also offered for families, fathers, and mothers, seeking divine wisdom and strength to raise responsible children who contribute positively to society.
He expressed hope for peace, progress, and prosperity in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to work together in promoting moral values and creating a society free from drug abuse and other social vices.