By Henry Oqua, Tunde Tee Olatunji
The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has called on stakeholders in the battle against drug abuse in Edo State to join hands and bring the menace under control, while promising stronger laws against drug offences.
Mr Obaseki said this during the seminar organised by the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, as part of the events to mark the second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament (BOWFT), on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
The theme of the seminar was “Say No to Drugs” and had in attendance First Ladies from other states, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), represented by his Special Adviser on National Drug Control Master Plan, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi; UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong; the Representative, UNODC Country Office, Oliver Stolpe and many others.
With school children selected from several secondary schools in Benin listening in, Mr Obaseki said drug abuse is an issue plaguing global sports with athletes risking their medals honours due to drug offences.
“In sports, drug abuse has remained a cause for concern, with athletes losing individual and group medals and honours as a result of drug related offences. It is a global issue that has continued to plague international sports competitions.
“While some may argue that some of these issues might not directly apply to us in Nigeria, we are reminded that Nigeria risks losing one of the medals won in the just concluded Commonwealth Games on account of suspicion of use of prohibited drugs.” Obaseki said.
Obaseki used the opportunity to appeal to the NDLEA Chairman to support Edo State in its fight against drug abuse.
“We are therefore taking advantage of the presence of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), His Excellency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), to seek more support for tackling the incidence of drug abuse in Edo State.
“The international community, which is well represented here today, should rest assured that we would continue to push for stricter enforcement of existing laws and make new legislations to further strengthen critical institutions to tackle the menace.” the Edo State Governor said.
While delivering the keynote address, the NDLEA boss commended the efforts of governors’ wives especially Mrs Obaseki, in fighting against drug abuse in Nigeria.
The Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament is aimed at checking social vices affecting the girl-child, with this year’s edition focused on raising awareness on the adverse effects of drug abuse among youths.
Thirteen (13) professional women’s football teams are participating in the 10-day pre-season tournament which has been ranked as the best in Africa.
The final match will see Edo Queens lock horns with Robo FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday, September 16, 2022.
