Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. Christabel Omoh Ekwu has reemphasized government’s commitment in curbing the use of harmful substances in the state.
The commissioner who made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the office of the state commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Obadiah Wakawa in Benin City, stated that the Obaseki-led administration is fully committed to the well-being of every Edo resident and as such, would not allow drug dealers bring in harmful substances that will endanger the lives of Edo youths.
She added that the ministry would do all it takes to discourage all forms of drug peddling, while giving a sound warning to farmers involved in the cultivation of illicit drugs, as law enforcement agencies will be on ground to apprehend individuals found participating in such unlawful activities.
The commissioner further emphasized on the readiness of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues to collaborate with the NDLEA in bringing drug peddling and abuse to its barest minimum, adding that a collaboration with the NDLEA would help in combating the bane of drug abuse in the state through successful sensitisation campaigns on the vices of illicit drug usage.
“The issue of inhaling harmful substances by young adults is worrisome and painful, hence the government is ready to do all that it takes to put an end to this menace that has eaten deep into our society. The youths are mixing a lot of things such as ice, marijuana, tramadol, among others. This has resulted in a higher number of people with mental illness in the society”. Christabel noted.
The commissioner further appealed to the NDLEA to look into the establishment of Drug-Free Clubs in secondary schools across the three senatorial districts in Edo State, disclosing that the ministry would be embarking on a sensitisation exercise in this regard, and as part of the ministry’s mandate, she encouraged drug addicts undergoing rehabilitation process to be of good conduct in order to recover fully.
Responding, the Edo State Commander, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Wakawa assured that the agency is fully prepared to fight against drug peddling and abuse in the state, warning those involved in the illegal cultivation and peddling of illicit drugs to desist from such as the law will take its due course on culprits.
Wakawa promised that the NDLEA would help in the rehabilitation of drug addicts and support activities that will help in the reduction of the use of harmful drugs in the state, as it is in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan.
