ABAKALIKI – A philanthropist and founder of Zelunjo Foundation (ZF), Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu, has identified meaningful engagement of young people as the most effective strategy to curb rising drug abuse and criminal tendencies among Nigerian youths.
Ogalagu, who spoke to newsmen in an interview on Monday in Abakaliki, expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of substance abuse among young people.
He described the situation as “a burning national emergency that requires deliberate and collective action.”
He said the escalation of drug use among youths was largely the result of idleness, frustration and hopelessness caused by long-term unemployment after graduation.
According to him, many of the young people lured into substance abuse are qualified graduates who roam the streets for years without access to viable opportunities.
“The issue of drug abuse among youths has become worrisome and requires urgent intervention from all stakeholders.
“Most youths who get involved in illicit drugs are unemployed graduates.
“When the mind and hands are not meaningfully engaged, frustration sets in and criminality becomes attractive,” Ogalagu said.
The businessman explained that through his non-governmental organisation, the Zelunjo Foundation, efforts have been intensified over the past few years to assist graduates of Ebonyi origin across all local government areas to secure lucrative federal job placements.
He said the initiative was driven by the need to reduce restlessness, deviant behaviour and crime among young people.
“Since we started this programme of helping youths to secure federal jobs, there has been a drastic reduction in substance abuse among beneficiaries.
“Many of these youths finish university and stay at home for years without employment.
“The frustration has pushed many into antisocial vices, but with this intervention, the status quo is changing,” he added.
Ogalagu appealed to public-spirited individuals, private organisations and government agencies to partner in expanding opportunities for young people, insisting that job creation remained a powerful preventive tool against drug misuse and crime.
“We cannot fold our hands and expect magic to happen; we have to be deliberate in the fight against drug abuse.
“The best strategy is to assist educated youths to gain employment in federal or state institutions where they can be useful to themselves and society,” he said.
He added that engaging young people in sports and other recreational activities also played a significant role in rehabilitating those previously exposed to drug use.
The philanthropist noted that the Zelunjo Foundation has sponsored several social and educational projects in Ebonyi, including university scholarships for bright students from Ohaukwu Local Government Area and statewide academic competitions that reward outstanding schools and pupils.
“This is one of the ways to enhance academic standards and give back to society,” he said.
Ogalagu reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment, stressing that a community or nation that ignored the development of its young population risks insecurity and economic stagnation. (NAN)
