Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has called for collaboration with religious organizations to curb the use and spread of drugs amongst youths in the state.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon Zubairu Dada Abubakar made the call during a seminar on prevalence of drugs abuse among our younger generation organized by the Catholic Men Organization, St. Jude Catholic Church, Iwogban, Benin City.
According to him, the Edo State Government is ready to partner with religious organizations to reduce the burden of drug abuse on the society and to campaign against illicit use of hard drugs and other substance among youths.
The governor urged the church to educate youths on the effects of the consumption of hard drugs which have destroyed the lives of many individuals, especially the youths in Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs is going to embark on sensitization with jingles and short films in Benin, Afemai, Ishan and Pidgeon English to campaign against drug abuse, cyber crime and cultism,” he added.
The Parish Priest, St. Jude Catholic Church, Iwogban Quarters, Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke, appreciated Governor Obaseki for the good works he is doing in the state and prayed that may the lord almighty give him the grace to finish well.
“Our parish is known as land of favour and it is our prayer that you finish well. We are happy for your presence through the Hon Commissioner and we want to use this opportunity to appeal that the government consider the repair of the road leading to our church,” he noted.
The Chairman, Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria, St. Jude Catholic Church, Iwogban, Godfrey Irabor who advised traditional rulers and religious leaders to liaize with parents and guardians in every community to find lasting solution to this social evil of drug abuse said the ways youths abuse drug is alarming.
“This collective effort must guarantee knowing all in our localities to ensure the safety and future of our younger generation. The law against smoking in public places should be re-enforced to check this ugly menace” he added.
Photo: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon Dada Abubaker (Middle) during the Seminar on Drug Abuse at St. Jude Catholic Church, Iwogban, Benin City.
