Edo State Govt Solicits Stakeholders' Support to Combat Drug, Substance Abuse

The Edo State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, has renewed its call for collaborative efforts in the fight against illicit drugs and substance abuse, emphasizing the growing threat it poses to public safety and youth development in the State.

This call was made by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, during a strategic meeting with delegates of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Government House in Benin City.

Describing drug abuse as a “pandemic” in Edo State, Mrs. Anani stressed the close link between substance abuse and rising criminal activity.

“Drugs have become a pandemic in this State and it is closely linked with crime. Often, when individuals commit crimes, they're under the influence and may not even be aware of their actions,” she said. “It's crucial that we address this issue for the well-being of our children and the Nation at large.”

Mrs. Anani also raised alarm over the misuse of prescription drugs, which she described as an often-overlooked crisis affecting individuals’ mental and physical health. She advocated for comprehensive awareness campaigns across schools, churches, markets, and media platforms to address the issue at its roots.

In addition, she commended existing initiatives educating students on drug abuse and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), emphasizing that future efforts must include vulnerable individuals with disabilities, particularly those with hearing or speech impairments.

“We must prioritize these communities, engage them, and ensure they are not left behind in the fight against substance abuse,” Mrs. Anani added.

NDLEA Reveals Drug Abuse Statistics, Launches Youth Initiative

In his remarks, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, shared startling statistics from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey. He revealed that:

• Nigeria’s national drug prevalence stood at 14.4%, translating to approximately 14.3 million users aged between 15 and 65.
• Edo State recorded a 15% drug prevalence, affecting about 330,000 people during the period.

To combat this, the NDLEA is launching a new initiative—the “Governor Monday Okpebholo's Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon for Secondary Schools”. The program, set to roll out in phases across the three senatorial districts, aims to sensitize youths through sports while delivering impactful messages on drug prevention.

“We want something that resonates with the youths. They love to play, and through this marathon, we’ll be giving them vital information that will help guide their future paths,” Ofoyeju said.

He also highlighted the National Drug Control Master Plan, which outlines four pillars of Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy:

1. Supply Control
2. Demand Reduction
3. Access to Controlled Medicine
4. Governance and Control

Ofoyeju appealed for continued partnership with the Edo State Government, pledging the Agency’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements and empowering youths with opportunities to thrive.

📸 Photo Caption:
R-L: The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani and the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, during a meeting on combatting illicit drugs and substance abuse at the Government House in Benin City.

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