“In our country, alcohol is responsible for banditry” – NAFDAC DG Adeyeye

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye has said that alcohol is responsible for banditry in Nigeria.

Adeyeye in a video shared by Channels Television on Wednesday, highlighted some of the dangers associated with the intake of alcoholic beverages among young people.

Expressing concerns over the behavioural activities associated with the use and possible abuse of alcoholic substances, Adeyeye said that youth who begin to consume alcohol at a tender age pose a risk to society.

According to Adeyeye, early exposure to alcohol also increases the risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Her words, “It increases risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Addiction, alcohol is an addictive substance.

“Youth who begin drinking before age 15, the minors and underage in our study are 41 per cent more likely to become dependent on alcohol and this study also shows that they graduate to start taking cocaine and other narcotics,” Adeyeye said.

She further noted that some of the violent behaviours showcased by several individuals, especially, criminals and bandits can be likened to the use of alcohol.

“Behavioural consequences, violence is a major factor of alcohol drinking in youth suicide, homicides and major motor crashes and other accidents.

Risky behaviour is strongly linked to unprotected sexual activities, unwanted pregnancies and seculaly transmitter diseases.

“Academic problem; drinking often leads to lower grades, missed classes and impaired cognitive functions. In our country, it is responsible for banditry,” Adeyeye added.