Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has said that that drug abuse was a global phenomenon and no nation in the world could boldly claim immunity to the threat.
Speaking at the 2019 edition of United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, with the theme, “Health for Justice, Justice for Health’’, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Idiroko Special Area Command, the Deputy Governor lamented that the range of drugs and drug markets were expanding with an increasing link between drug trafficking, corruption and other forms of organized crime.
‘’The menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking over the years, has posed horrible threats to human lives, national development and security, hence the United Nations resolve since 1989 to raise awareness to major problems that unlawful use and distribution of drugs portends for the society’’, she stated.
While urging traditional rulers, Civil Society Organizations, Religious leaders, Professional bodies and the media to join in fighting the menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, she enjoined parents, as first teachers to instil in their children, good values and show good examples, calling on other security agencies not to leave the fight to NDLEA alone, but join hands in the areas of intelligence exchange and other support services.
“Let me state that the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun appreciates the fact that development can only take place in a peaceful society. We also appreciate the fact that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking mostly affects our youths. In implementing the “Building our Future Together” agenda, we will place serious emphasis on the education, empowerment and gainful employment of our youth.
” This administration will partner with private investors so that they will employ more of our teeming youths in their industries by opening an online registration portal for unemployed youths, where employers in Ogun State can have easy access to job seekers”, she assured.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said the theme of the year, underlined the importance of holistic approach involving health, human rights, criminal justice and social service institutions.
She said drug trafficking and use had destabilized families, truncated promising future of the youths and had remained a negative force driving anti social behaviour and increasing deterioration of social values and norms.
“It is vital to note that the problem of drug trafficking and abuse has reached an epidemic level globally. It is fast becoming an embarrassing scourge, affecting individual and the society at large. The escalating wave of crime and criminalities such as kidnapping, cross border banditry, money laundering, terrorism, drug and other forms of societal decay, which are challenges confronting us today, are deeply rooted in the consumption and misuse of drugs”, Archie-Abia said.
