…rolls out activities to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse
The Edo State Government has warned youths against the dangers of drug abuse, calling for increased collaboration among stakeholders to check the menace among young people.
Chairman, Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC), Dr. Osamwonyi Irowa, gave the warning during a press briefing at the Government House, in Benin City.
He noted that the government plans to inaugurate more drug-free clubs in schools across the state, to encourage students to abstain from abuse of drugs and focus on their studies in order to achieve set goals.
According to him, “Today’s event is organized to herald a week-long activity lined up to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC). We will inaugurate more drug-free clubs in our schools.
“There was a walk against drug abuse today Thursday 24th, and there will be a church sensitization and thanksgiving service on Sunday this week. It’s time for those involved in trafficking of illicit substances to quit or face tough consequences.”
Irowa further noted: “The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has strengthened its resolve against this menace with a renewed war. The abuse of narcotics has incapacitated the workforce of organizations and ruined communities and societies.
“It has brought about family disintegration, decimated the capacities of our youths and given rise to all types of crimes such as insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, rape and violent extremism, which has fallen nations.”
“The dynamism of the drug problem has made it imperative for us to continue to deepen our knowledge and understanding of this deleterious conundrum in this regard,” he added.
He said that the drug war cannot be won without the collaboration of all stakeholders, stating, “We need the cooperation of all and sundry: We owe Nigeria the duty of ensuring that drug abuse and trafficking do not thrive among us.”
