As part of efforts to mitigate against drug abuse and addiction, National Drug Laws and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday inaugurated drug control committees to fight abuse and misuse of drugs among children, youths and adults in the Ogun State.
While inaugurating the committee, the Ogun state First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, who is the Chairperson of the committee and Ambassador, War Against Drug Abuse in Ogun state, said the committee was critical to curbing the alarming prevalence in the use of dangerous narcotics and psychotropic substances by many young people in the country and in Ogun state in particular.
“Consequently, this meeting is the first step to actualizing many of the solutions proposed in the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021 – 2025 which will be rolled out strategically very soon.
The plan contains four strategic pillars that culminate in an integrated multi-sectoral strategic and operational plan to comprehensively address drug issues in the country.
“Every member of this committee plays an integral role in the success of our initiatives, and I want to request that you to handle this responsibility with the urgency that it requires. You have all been nominated to be on this committee not just to make up the numbers, but because of the strategic positioning of the MDA you represent. Each one has a vantage position, so your recommendations will be invaluable to us”. She added.
“Through this committee, we are strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – 3. Ultimately, we hope to improve health and security for everyone in the State and we believe that by working together, this will be attainable by the grace of God”, she said.
While speaking, Ogun state Command NDLEA Commander, Barrister Ibinabo Archie-Abia highlighted the strategic pillars to engage at addressing drug issues in Ogun to be drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, access to controlled medicines for medical and scientific purposes and governance and coordination.
She informed that the committee comprised of subject matter experts drawn from relevant ministries, departments and agencies in the state and federal government noting that it would be a highly demanding task that required hard work, skills, experience, intellect and commitment.
Barr. Achie-Abia listed the aims and goals of the committee as well as functions to include developing and domesticating formidable social advocacy, designed to get every Ogun state person involved in the task, to embark on preventive education against drug abuse and to mobilize the society and establish a drug rehabilitation center for victims of drug use disorder among others.
In their responses, members of the committee unanimously pledged their commitments and cooperation towards achieving the set goals of the committee while bringing their experiences and expertise to bear.
Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the committee include, the Ministries of Information and Strategy, Health, Education, Science and Technology, Women Affairs and Social Development, Youth and Sports, Transportation, NDLEA, Nigeria Police Force, TRACE, Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, NGOs and Religious Bodies among others.
