by Thompson Yamput
The Kogi Government on Wednesday, urged stakeholders and government at all levels to invest massively in prevention and treatment programmes to stem the tide of drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
The Youths and Sports Commissioner, Mr Monday Anyebe, made the call during the celebration of the World Drug Day held at the Government House, Lokoja.
Anyebe, who spoke on the world drug Day theme: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention,” said the state government was ready to carry serious preventive measures to save the residents from destruction.
“As we commemorate the world drug day, the message is the same; which is laying emphasis on the need for us to begin to invest in prevention, rather than cure and rehabilitation.
“Our theme resonates deeply. We have seen firsthand, the impact of drug abuse on our communities.
“Unfortunately, we have lost talented young people, seen families torn apart, and witnessed the devastating consequences of addiction.
“But we can also witness the power of prevention which can lead to transformation of young lives, ignite hope in their eyes, and revive the resilience of their spirits.
“In Kogi today, we have a Sheriff in Gov. Usman Ododo, who believes in the well-being of every resident and who is committed to prioritising
prevention and ensuring that our youths have access to resources required to thrive, ” he said.
The commissioner said the government, through the ministry of youth and sports, and in collaboration with relevant stockholders, would continue with the advocacy, “to ensure that our people are adequately sensitised about the dangers of drug abuse.”
In his remarks, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander in Kogi, Mr Umar Yahuza, said there was need for urgent steps to be taken for all and sundry to safeguard teaming youths from illicit drugs destructive tendencies.
Yahuza noted that the implication of drugs on security, economic and general wellbeing was severe and worrisome to the society.
“Statistics have indicated clearly that drug problem is mutating into a colossal social dimension and has become an issue linked beyond doubt the escalation of insecurity and its attendant effects on peace and economy across the country.
“The command has discovered and destroyed cannabis farms in Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu, Omala, Idah, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Areas of the state.
“Assets of drug dealers are also being seized as a way of crippling them of their illegal wealth and have been tendered in court for forfeiture, ” he said.
The commander urged traditional institutions, Religious and opinion Leaders, NGOs etc to give a helping hand to ensure drug free Kogi and Nigeria as a whole. NAN
