How I almost became drug addict – Obasanjo

• The former President, who voiced his concerns over the surge in drug abuse among Nigerians and other West Africans, implored Nigerian students and young people to desist from abusing psychoactive drugs

Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo has bemoaned the scourge of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria.

He also recounted his struggles with smoking and drugs and how he almost became an addict.

Obasanjo made the revelation in Abeokuta over the weekend at the second edition of ‘Fly Above The High’ anti-drug campaign conference organised by the Recovery Advocacy Network.

Obasanjo stated that smoking during his youthful age led to acute coughing and almost became an addiction.

The former President, who voiced his concerns over the surge in drug abuse among Nigerians and other West Africans, implored Nigerian students and young people to desist from abusing psychoactive drugs, saying that they ruin life rather than enhance it.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted. Once you get involved, it is difficult to get out.

“There’s nothing drug can do for you except destruction.

“We found out that West Africa has equally been a centre for drug consumption in a very bad way. That was more than 10 years ago, so the situation has since gone worse. And whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa,” Obasanjo said.

He cautioned against stigmatization and urged individuals who are already addicted to psychoactive drugs to get help.