By Hou Akot Hou
A youth leader in Northern Bahr El Gazal state (NBGs) has called on authorities to order a complete ban on tramadol and other toxic alcoholic spirits.
Speaking to the media, George Atem Garang, the youth chairperson urged the authorities to restrict the sale of toxic drugs and gins that harm the society.
He called for ordinations aimed at helping the youth leadership in restricting rules and advocating against the use of drugs such as tramadol and other toxic alcohol spirits.
The youth leader expressed that several issues continue to face youth in the state; hence, there is a need to do away with bad drugs and dangerous alcohol.
He added that drug addiction and alcoholism remain the toughest challenges, as several young people are solely engaged in such practices despite their dangers.
Atem also echoes the misuse of social media by young people that he said is being used by energetic people to get jobs through negative approaches by implicating themselves and others in political ways through disinformation.
“The fellow youth have used social media in wrong ways; also, youth are consuming tramadol, and most are following politicians in a bid to get employment through dirty ways, which is not their mandate,” said Atem.
He added that cattle continue to face the society as it incites violence in some parts of the state.
“Above all, we have cattle theft between Aweil and Warrap, and all we want is a peaceful coexistence between the communities, and we are appealing to the concerned authorities and partners such as UNMISS through the Civil Affairs Division to help us have workshops so that we can advocate for such pertinent and pressing issues,” he said.
Atem revealed that his leadership focuses on activities such as engaging the partners and government through advocacy in meetings and on the radio to help youth empowerment initiatives.
“We are advocating through the local radios like Akol Yam FM and Weerbeei FMs in Northern Bahr El Gazal state, and through the recently concluded commissioners’ forum, we urged the leaders to help us in many ways so that such problems and challenges are addressed,” he said.
Atem appealed to the state leadership to ensure that restrictions are enacted on the sale of drugs such as tramadols and also urges government to regulate the media such that young people never deviate from their mandate.
Atem was responding to questions posed to him in a round-table conference through peace forum hosted by Radio Miraya on Tuesday where he made numerous appeals to the listeners including political figures.
In response to some questions, the Civil Affairs Division staff, including Jacob Dau, who was being hosted as well, echoed the need for empowerment of women.
He added that it remains to be seen how the youth in the state would liaise with partners to help strengthen different areas where they could be supported.