The Commandant of Kogi Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Umar Mustapha Yahuza (in uniform) and representatives of the Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim Foundation at the Grand finale of this year’s celebration of the United Nation’s Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Lokoja on Wednesday.
By Victoria Onehi
Kogi state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo and other stakeholders have said the fight against drug abuse in the society is a collective responsibility, saying that all hands must be on the deck for a meaningful impact.
Governor Ododo disclosed this at the Grand finale of this years’ celebration of the United Nation’s Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking in Lokoja on Wednesday, with the Theme: “The Evidence is Clear; Invest In Prevention.”
The governor who was represented by Secretary to Government State, Dr Mrs Folashade Ayoade, noted that drug abuse affects both people’s physical and mental health hence youths should resist the temptation of fallen into the danger of the menace.
“Let every Nigerian, both young and old join hands with government and security agencies in the fight against drug abuse, kidnapping, robbery and other social vices,” the governor said .
The Commandant of Kogi Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA , Umar Mustapha Yahuza said the commission will not rest on its oars until the incident of drug abuse is reduced to the barest minimum in the state.
The Commandant commended the state government over the state posture against drug abuse, lamenting hostility from some communities in the state and lack of operational vehicles, amongst others, as their greatest challenges.
Earlier, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Monday Anyebe said the Ministry in collaboration with relevant stakeholders will continue with this advocacy, to ensure that people are adequately sensitised about drug abuse.
Several stakeholders such as NYSC, NANS, Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim Foundation and Kogi Frontier Club among others assured that they will continue to collaborate with NDLEA and the state government in their efforts to ensure a free -drug society.
The Representative of the Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim Foundation Daniel Ijato, said the Foundation will continue to collaborate with NDLEA, the state government and other stakeholders to reduce the rate of drug abuse amongst the youths.
He said: “So Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim Foundation is supporting NDLEA in it’s fight against drug abuse and control.We have a system where we go to secondary schools and we educate children against drug abuse. We know that drug abuse leads to other vices in the society that is why we are trying to control it from the grassroots.”
“My advice to young people is that drug abuse has no gain. It is not economically viable as it cost alot to purchase it. Again,it affects their system also. There is never a good way in drug abuse.” Ijato said.
Meanwhile, the wife of Kogi State Governor, Sefinat Ododo promised to build rehabilitation centre where drug addicts under rehabilitation, could be trained for various skills and become useful to society.
“The youth are the leaders of tomorrow and must be protected. Drastic measures have to be taken to save our youths, who are ignorant of the inherent dangers of those illicit drugs,” she said.
