Breaking the Chains of Addiction: Edo State Government Inaugurates Drug Control Committee
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By Adesuwa Ehimuan
In a bid to combat growing incidents of drug abuse as well as promote healthy living in the society, Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa on Friday, October 3, at the New Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, inaugurated the State and Local Government Drug Control Committee.
Speaking during the event on behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa stated, “It is with great joy and a deep sense of responsibility that this drug control committee is being inaugurated in our state today.
“It marks a vital step in our unwavering commitment to stopping the menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse .”
The Coordinator, Office of The First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani stated that drug abuse has become a pandemic in the state, “you hardly see a crime scene without drugs being involved, our youths are high on drugs and this must be curb.
She further stated, In the fight against drug abuse, women have to be involved, they need to use empathy and appeal on children to make them leave drugs”.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Zonal Commander, Zone 13, ACGN Fidelis Cocodia, while interfacing with representatives of government and members of the drug control committee on behalf of the Chairman, NDLEA, Brig-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) touched on vital issues such as “tackling challenges at grassroot levels, awareness outreach and supportive systems,” aimed at tackling drug use and dependency.
The NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju reeled out statistics of drug use at national level which he put at 14.4% with Edo State topping the national values at 15% based on the last compiled drug use data base which he claimed to be worrisome.
He stated that the impact of the availability of drugs led to increased rates of youth vulnerability and attendant increase in societal crime.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole streamlined the effects of drug abuse just as he pledged his resolve to assist with making Edo state a model at drug control and stamping out drug abuse.
He said he was “aligning with the drug control and rehabilitation of drug users, prioritizing enlightenment and education of youths to give them a second chance at life.”
Even as the SSA on Drugs in Edo State, Andrew Efe enlightened on interventions and awareness campaigns already carried out in schools and tertiary institutions, mentioning present rehabilitation processes of two identified drug users in the tertiary institutions.
Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Engr Eduseri said he would take the campaign to stamp out drug use and abuse to his immediate domain.
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