Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He made the position of government known at the celebration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, held in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, described as apt, the theme of the celebration: ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’, stressing that it was better to prevent than to cure.
He, however, said preventing drug abuse required going the extra mile to deploy resources for the empowerment of youths with the necessary knowledge, skills and support needed to make the right choices that would help them lead productive life and impact positively on the society
Governor Oborevwori stated that government was committed to investing in comprehensive preventive measures targeted at the homes, educational institutions, workplaces and communities, expressing confidence in the much pragmatic campaigns and advocacy could do in reducing drug abuse and its attendant effects.
In her remarks, the wife of the State Governor and Founder, You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, appreciated the efforts of critical stakeholders in the war against drug abuse, noting that it was one sure way of securing the future of the younger generation.
Deaconess Oborevwori, who was represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Mrs Ewoma Erijo, called for greater involvement of parents, teachers, students, religious leaders, among others, in the war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, to guarantee a significant reduction in the prevalence rate.
For his part, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojoame, identified drug abuse as a global problem cutting across every age, gender, religion and socioeconomic status, expressing concern about the upsurge of prevalence rate despite the demand and supply control measures of successive administrations.
Dr. Onojoame, represented by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okewoh, noted that the activities of the State Drug Control Committee were in tandem with the theme of this year’s celebration, and thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to funding the Committee to ensure the attainment of a drug-free state.
Also speaking, the State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Delta State Command, Mr Abubakar Wada, revealed that over 14 million Nigerians of productive age were into drug abuse, out of which over 10 million abused saco-active substances with direct effects on the Central Nervous System
Mr Wada listed Cable Point, Dustbin and Hausa Market in Asaba, as well as Agbor, Abraka, Sapele, Warri, Oghara, Ughelli, as some of the places where illicit drugs were openly sold, adding that Abbi community, in Ndokwa West local government area, was the home of cannabis production, where over 80 hectares of the drug farm had been destroyed in a joint operation with the military.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Police, Correctional Center and the Nigerian Immigration Service, as well as a drama presentation on peer group influence in drug abuse.
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