By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

The Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), Abuja Branch, recently commemorated the World Drug Day at the University of Abuja, with a focus on prevention as a crucial step in tackling drug abuse.

Speaking during the event on Wednesday at the institution, Chairman of AHAPN Abuja Branch, Pharm. Hafsat Abdullahi, stressed the importance of prevention in curbing drug abuse.

"One of the reasons we are here today is for prevention...to sensitise them, give them the knowledge, what and what they are supposed to do to prevent it from even starting, to prevent themselves from even starting drug abuse,” she said.

Abdullahi also encouraged students to focus on their academic success, saying, "You shouldn't be high on drugs, but high on your scores."

Also speaking, the keynote speaker, Pharm. Clara Adesola, emphasized the importance of prevention, noting that "if students can avoid getting involved in drugs, that would be the best."

She highlighted the role of pharmacists in regulating the dispensing of potentially abusive drugs, saying, "We have what we call control drugs. So we dispense this drug accordingly. There are regulations and we follow it."

Also in her address, Head of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and chairman of the occasion, Pharm. Josephine Abiri, stated that the event aimed to create awareness and educate students on the dangers of drug abuse.

Head of Partnership and Special Project, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Peter Adegbe commended AHAPN for their efforts in sensitizing students on the dangers of drug abuse.

He advised students to "don't start" using drugs, saying, "Get our youth to know the rights and wrongs, get our youth to know the dangers of these substances, get them to abstain and keep away from drugs."

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Abuja, Prof. Musa Abdullahi, expressed support for the event, noting that pharmacy students are crucial in changing the narrative on drug abuse.

He noted that due to the importance of the event, he had declared a lecture-free day to ensure that the students will have a wider experience and knowledge on drug abuse, which will impact on their training.

The World International Day (WDD) also known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on June 26 annually to increase action and collaboration in the effort to end illicit drug use throughout the globe.

PHOTO: Dean Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UniAbuja, Prof. Musa Abdullahi, Head of Pharmacy Dept and Chairman of the event, UATH Gwagwalada, Pharm. Josephine Abiri, Head of Pharmacy Dept, NHA, Abuja and keynote speaker of the event , Pharm. Adesola Clara, Chairman AHAPN, Abuja Branch, Pharm Hafsat Abdullahi and LOC Chairman, Pharm Ishag Ya'u during a sensitisation program at the UniAbuja to commemorate the 2025 World Drug Day on Wednesday.