By Adegboyega Segun.
The Kogi State Government in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reiterated its zero tolerance to drugs abuse and Illicit trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic substances.
The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Ododo, stated this during the international Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics and Psychotropic substances with a theme "The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention," in Lokoja.
The First Lady who was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor Mrs Margret Joel Oyibo admonished the youths and the strata of the population to shun every form of drugs abuse and illicit trafficking, urging the parents to take adequate watch over their children.
She tasked the general public to join hands with Government to prevent drugs abuse in the State .
Also speaking, the Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade (PhD) advised the youths to shun drugs abuse and illicit trafficking, emphasizing that parents should watch over their children and checkmate the kind of friends they keep.
" l wish to advise the youths that their future is important. They have bright future, because God has created them to take dominion and to be in charge. So, they should not in anyway be addicted to drugs to spoil their future."
She noted that Youths should be on alert to guard against bad influence that could destroy their future.
"I also want to use this opportunity to admonish parents to please take care of your children. Be available for them and take time to know the characters of the friends their wards are keeping."
In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe applauded His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support to drug awareness initiatives noting that his leadership and commitment to the well-being of Kogi State are exemplary,as they create a safer and healthier society for all.
The Commissioner stressed the need to lay emphasis on prevention, rather than cure and rehabilitation,stressing that prevention of drugs abuse and illicit trafficking would lead to transformation of young lives, ignite hope in their countenance and revive the resilience of their spirits.
He pledged to encourage healthy alternatives by providing sports and creative activities to cut down the interests of youths and other strata of the population from the abuse of drugs and other criminalities, urging everyone to join forces to create a society that values prevention and supports the well-being of the youths.
The Kogi State Commander NDLEA Mr. Umar Mustapha Yahuza commended the State Governor for his support to the command, describing the appointment of Special Adviser and three Senior Special Assistants on Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as unprecedented in history of the country.
The Commander further, highlighted that the drug situation in Nigeria and Kogi State was disturbing, pointing out that it has great implications on security, economy and the general wellbeing of the Country.
The Commander who identified cannabis sativa, popularly known as marijuana,as the most abused substance in the society, reiterated that the state command had engaged in various operations that has led to the arrest and seizure of assorted drugs from drugs dealers, adding that the assets of drugs dealers were impounded as a way of crippling their illegal businesses.
He called on the general public to cooperate and support the Agency with credible information that would lead to reduction of drugs abuse and trafficking in the State.
In his Goodwill message the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, represented by Musa Saki Bala, appreciated the Governor and State NDLEA Commander for their dedication towards ensuring a drug free the society.
Guest speakers at the workshop, delivered lectures on Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking.
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