Edo State Government through the Office of the First Lady, has called for stakeholders’ cooperation on efforts aimed at combating illicit drugs and substance abuse in the State.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani made the call during a meeting with the delegates of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Government House in Benin City, highlighting the dangers associated with the use of illicit substances and the need for collective action to build a healthy society.
According to Mrs. Anani, “Drugs have become a pandemic in this State and it is closely linked with crime. Often, when these individuals commit crimes, they’re under the influence and may not even be aware of their actions. It’s crucial that we address this issue, which is important for the well-being of our children and the Nation as a whole”.
Mrs. Anani expressed concerns over prescription drug misuse, describing it as significant, but often overlooked issue that can have severe consequences on individual’s physical and mental well-being. To effectively address substance abuse, she recommended the need for comprehensive sensitization programmes in collaboration with stakeholders, including schools, churches, markets and media, to raise awareness about the risks associated with prescription medication and to foster a comprehensive solution that promotes physical, mental and societal well-being.
She commended initiatives aimed at educating students about drug abuse and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools, adding that the fight against illicit drugs, substance abuse and GBV should include vulnerable individuals with disabilities, particularly those with hearing and oral impairments.
Mrs. Anani further emphasized the need to prioritize such community by engaging with them and creating an inclusive environment that protects and supports them.
The Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, explained that drug abuse is a significant problem in Nigeria, affecting people across various age groups, sexes, social statuses and religions. According to him, “The problem of drug abuse in Nigeria is one that cuts across age, sex, social status and religious divides. In the last National Drug Use Survey that was conducted in 2018, it was obvious that the drug prevalence in Nigeria was 14.4%, which translates to about 14.3 million Nigerians aged between 15 and 65 that have used one drug or another within the period of the survey.
“In Edo State, as at that time, the drug prevalence by that survey was 15%, which was slightly higher than the national drug prevalence, and the 15% translated to about 330,000 persons in Edo State who have used one substance or another within the period of the survey”.
He further disclosed the launch of an anti-drug abuse marathon for secondary schools in the State, which is designed to sensitize youths and equip them with essential knowledge on preventing drug abuse.
”The State Command has come up with a project that will help sensitize youths, particularly secondary schools. We are flagging that off within the next few days and we have tagged it, “Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon for Secondary Schools in Edo State” and it’s going to be in phases. Phase one is going to concentrate on the South Senatorial District. After that, we’ll go to Edo Central, then, Edo North and we have also attached prizes to the race, because we want something that will resonate with these youths. They are children, they like to play. So, while they are playing, they are also getting very vital information that will help them navigate their society or their career path, so that they don’t fall victim of drug use”. He explained.
Commander Ofoyeju talked about the National Drug Control Master Plan, which according to him, is a comprehensive document, outlining Nigeria’s approach to tackling drug issues through four key areas which include, supply control, demand reduction, access to controlled medicine, and governance and control, aimed at reducing drug abuse and trafficking.
He solicited the support of the State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, to combat drug abuse, recommending collective responsibility and pledged the Agency’s commitment to removing criminal elements and creating opportunities for youths to thrive in the State.
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