Substance abuse: NDLEA partners governors’ wives to scale up grassroots intervention

*As Tinubu, Fagbemi others hail anti-drug war

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has partnered with the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF), to reinvigorate the fight against illicit drugs use and consumption in states.

At a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care (DPTC), organized by NDLEA for spouses of state governors in Abuja, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, (CEO), of the agency, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, (retd), charged state governments to prioritise the fight against substance abuse in their strategic work plans for a safe and secure society.

He said “Our Commanders and officers in your states are always available to work with you and the governors; please create the needed access for them so that they can serve you and the society better.

“Together, we can effect meaningful change and create healthier, safer communities for all. Your collective effort can become the biggest catalyst for the nation to triumph over the illicit drug challenge.”

He charged state governments to prioritise the fight against substance abuse in their strategic work plans for a safe and secure society.

In her keynote address, wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, observe that governors’ spouses are key to the fight against substance abuse in the states.

Represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, Tinubu said the training and partnership is a vital training for ongoing efforts in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria.

According to her, “We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response.

“We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders.

“As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them towards a future free from the shackles of addiction.

“As leaders in your respective states, you wield a unique platform to drive meaningful change. The role of Governors’ spouses in combating drug abuse cannot be overstated. Through advocacy, we can ensure access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction.

“However, our efforts must not end with this training. We must translate knowledge into action, collaborating with stakeholders such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, other government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and students.

Also speaking, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said by joining forces and working collaboratively, “We can turn the tide against drug abuse and build a brighter, healthier future for generations to come. Together we can do it.”

Other high profile personalities at the event include the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, Ambassador, (Dr.), Olufolake Abdulrazaq and the minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman, SAN, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack among others.