By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Edo State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated its commitments to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking among residents in the State.
Sen. Okpebholo made the emphasis during a Programme in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, as organized by the State Government through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Drug and Illicit Trafficking Control, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
In an address, Sen. Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq., stressed the importance of prioritizing prevention over cure, while highlighting the potential dangers of drug abuse. In his words, “The International Day for Drug Abuse is more than a ceremonial observance. It is a global call to action, a reminder that drug abuse is not a distant crisis, but a persistent threat within our communities, our schools, our homes and our professional spaces. Government at all levels should not turn a blind eye.
“Through strategic policies, tighter border controls and surveillance, rehabilitation programmes and educational campaigns, we are seeing a stronger push towards prevention, treatment and reintegration. But we must do more. It is important to state that It is now necessary for us to focus on prevention rather than cure, because it has become too expensive and too difficult to fight drug abuse through our conventional method. Prevention is the way. That’s what we have to push.”
Similarly, the Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, highlighted the crucial role of parents, especially mothers, in educating their children about the dangers of drug abuse. She said, “The new Edo we are building is the Edo without drugs. My advice to parents is to educate your children. Education starts from home, not from school. It is our responsibility to talk to our children about the consequences of being high on drugs. My advice is that every youth should stay away from drugs. The high cost of drugs and substance abuse is enormous.”
Mrs. Anani condemned the reckless use of drugs and emphasized the importance of mothers closely monitoring their children’s medication and substance use, saying, “Something we rarely discuss is drug use, which has become a menace in society. Sometimes, many mothers are taking drugs and become addicted. It is important that we talk about this issue. As mothers, it is crucial that we monitor what our children take at home. We are collaborating with the NDLEA and will soon launch a Programme to educate mothers particularly. There is a shift from men and boys to young girls taking drugs.”
The Commander of Narcotics, Edo State Command of the NDLEA, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, harped on the need for a collective collaboration in the fight against drug abuse. According to him, “The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is not an isolated struggle; it calls for a united front. I have directed all my Field commanders to leave no stone unturned in apprehending drug barons and their associates. They either quit the criminal act or be arrested and made to face the law.
“The Edo State Command within the last six months has successfully arrested 209 suspected drug traffickers across the State, consisting of 129 males and 80 females. We also intercepted 53,520.80kg of drugs. We discovered and destroyed 18 cannabis farms and won the conviction of 24 drug offenders, comprising 20 males and four females.”
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Drug and Illicit Trafficking Control, Mr. Andrew Efe, expressed gratitude to the Governor for championing the fight against drug abuse and providing unwavering support. According to him, “Under the leadership of his Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo, this Sector has been given a major priority, purpose and power. His Excellency has not only acknowledged the problem, he has also acted; he has not only supported our work, he has also led in the front.”
The event featured a quiz competition and drama presentation after which, awards of recognition were presented to the Governor, amongst other dignitaries. The highpoint of the event was the administration of the Drug Abuse Abstinence Oath on Sen. Okpebholo and all present, by Mr. Andrew Efe.
World Drug Day, also known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is celebrated annually on 26th June, was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 7th December, 1987 to raise awareness of global drug crises and promote multilateral action toward prevention, treatment, and research toward achieving a drug-free society. The year 2025 theme is “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganisedCrime”.
