The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has unveiled a novel titled, The Truth about Sadia as part of its efforts to enlighten the public on the dangers of substance abuse through stories.
According to a statement on Wednesday, this was disclosed in a letter signed by the agency’s Director, Media, and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, and addressed to the book’s author, who is a university don, Dr Lola Akande of the Department of English, University of Lagos, Akoka.
The statement partly read: “Substance abuse and illegal drug trafficking is a global monster that must be tackled from all fronts and the case of The Truth about Sadia presents one of the many social, health, economic, and safety consequences of drug abuse being experienced by many families in Nigeria.
“Akande’s new novel is well-researched and educative. The infusion of drug abuse education as a major plank of the novel makes it one of the worthy publications for advocacy and public enlightenment in the current campaign against substance abuse in our country.
“The Truth about Sadia explores how the use of alcohol and hard drugs can lead to the development of mental illness. It is a rich, multi-layered novel that does not shy away from delving into the seamier sides of modern Nigerian life in a Lagos rife with contradictions and, above all, the energy for which the city is famous.”
The Truth about Sadia is a rich, multi-layered novel that does not shy away from delving into the seamier sides of modern Nigerian life in a Lagos rife with contradictions and, above all, the energy for which the city is famous. Indeed, the city is as much a presence in the novel as the characters especially the two main characters who must reconcile their separate destinies against the city’s contradictions.
“This is a novel for our times, warts and all. It will appeal to students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, teachers and the general public”, Akande stated.
