The call to action against substance abuse echoes loudly as Sen Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady and former Member of Parliament, urges state governments to integrate anti-drug strategies into their societal blueprints for a safer tomorrow.
Addressing attendees at a two-day Drug Prevention Treatment and Care (DPTC) training in Abuja, Tinubu stressed the importance of collective responsibility in combating the drug scourge. Represented by Elizabeth Egbetokun, wife of the Inspector General of Police, Tinubu applauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, for their commitment to addressing drug abuse.
Tinubu emphasized that drug abuse is not merely a legal issue but a pressing public health crisis necessitating a compassionate and comprehensive approach. She urged for the removal of stigma associated with addiction, advocating for empathy and support for those battling substance use disorders, particularly the youth.
As mothers and leaders, Tinubu urged Governors’ spouses to leverage their influence in driving tangible change beyond the training sessions. She stressed the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and students, to implement evidence-based strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment.
Echoing Tinubu’s sentiments, Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, commended NDLEA’s grassroots approach in combating drug abuse, acknowledging the pivotal role of attendees in shaping community policies and practices.
NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse on public health and security, underscoring the imperative for a holistic societal response. Marwa urged Governors’ spouses to champion drug prevention and treatment initiatives in their states, leveraging the agency’s resources and expertise.
Marwa outlined NDLEA’s initiatives to deter illicit drug cultivation and production, emphasizing the need for alternative development plans to empower farmers with sustainable alternatives. He urged collective action in curbing drug abuse, stressing the importance of collaboration across sectors for a brighter future.
The event also featured calls for concerted efforts from representatives of UNODC, the European Union, and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), highlighting the importance of a united front against drug abuse.
