Edo State Government Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking, Calls for Collective Action
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Edo State Government Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking, Calls for Collective Action
By Adesuwa Ehimuan
The Edo State Government has marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a lecture to minimize it’s effect.
The event was held at the new Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City with theme”A New Edo, A New You, Say No to Drugs and Crime was organized by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug and Illicit Control, Hon. Andrew Efe.
The Executive Governor of Edo State was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Musa Ikhilior.
The Governor said, “The International Day Against Drug Abuse serves as a reminder that drug abuse is a persistent threat within communities, schools, homes, and professional spaces. We must all combat this issue, governments at all levels must implement strategic policies, including: Tighter Border Controls, to prevent the influx of illicit substances. Rehabilitation Programs, to support individuals struggling with addiction. Educational Campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse in our schools.
During the panel session, the Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani said “ we are educating women and children about the dangers of drug abuse and raising awareness and promoting prevention. Enlightening them about the dangers of substance abuse can help prevent addiction and related problems.
The high cost of drug use on children’s lives is enormous. We are Informing parents and caregivers about the risks of drug abuse. Help them take proactive steps to safeguard their children’s well-being. By sharing information about the effects of drug use, we are empowering individuals to make informed decisions and choose healthier lifestyles.
The effects of drug abuse on children can be severe and long-lasting. Some potential consequences are Impaired brain development, Increased risk of mental health issues, social and behavioral problems.”
The converner, SSA to the Governor on Drug and illicit Control, Hon Andrew Efe, said “ Edo State has a prevalence rate of drug use, with approximately 15-18% of the population, aged 15-35, using drugs. This translates to around 300,000 to 350,000 individuals in the state who have used drugs in the past year. To put this into perspective, the national average stands at about 14.4%, indicating that Edo State’s drug use rate exceeds the national average.
Commonly used substances are cannabis, tramadol,codeine, crystal Meth. Rise in female drug use, There’s a growing concern about female drug use, especially in tertiary institutions and informal markets.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju stated, we must tackle drug abuse head-on, drug abuse is a serious issue that requires a proactive approach. With the help of modern drug testing methods, it’s easier to identify substance abuse problems. We utilized drug integrity tests to detect substance abuse. If test results are positive, seek professional help through rehabilitation centers.
The government has emphasized the need for a proactive approach to tackle drug abuse, including the use of modern drug testing methods and rehabilitation centers.
The event underscores Edo State Government’s commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
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