Sule urges stakeholders’ collaboration to tackle drug abuse

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for collaboration among governors and other stakeholders to tackle the growing menace of drugs abuse among women and youths in Nigeria.

Sule made the call on Wednesday at two-day North Central National Sensitisation Workshop on Narcotic Drugs among females and youths, held in Lafia.

According to Sule, the use of substances among youths and women has devastating health consequences including death, and with its attendant societal effects.

The governor explained further that drug abuse has far-reaching consequences as it contributes to lawlessness, crime, destruction of the economy, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

He noted that the menace of drugs abuse if not properly controlled, could threaten the survival, growth, and socio-economic development of the North-central states and Nigeria at large.

“Our youths are more culpable in drug abuse and its attendance consequences on that strata of the society.

“I, therefore, challenge our excellencies from the zones that we should all partner in ensuring that we find a way to stop the use of drugs, especially among our youths and women not only in this zone,” he said.

Sule applauded the House of Representatives for creating a Committee on Narcotic Drugs with a view to strengthen the fight against narcotic drugs use and trafficking.

He acknowledged that drugs abuse was of great concern in Nasarawa State and appreciated the state command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for what they were doing address the situation.

The governor also said that his administration was poised to change the narrative by empowering women and youths, thereby enhancing their capacity to access education and acquire skills.

He also pointed out that the state had also provided the legal framework to protect the physical, socio-economic, emotional, and psychological well-being of women and youths through enactment and implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law.”Today’s event affords us yet another opportunity to chart a cause for effective deliberations and actions toward addressing the challenging of drug abuse in our environment,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Abass Adigun, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, said.

the workshop was an essential step toward addressing an issue that affects individual, the family, community and the nation at large.

He stated that drug abuse among women and youths had profound impact on society.

“The effects of drugs and other harmful substances can lead to devastating physical and mental consequences, disrupt education, and increase the risk of violence and crime.”This workshop is aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to combat drug abuse with focus on the female gender and youths,” he said.

He appealed to the governors to support the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs in the fight against narcotic drugs, as it was ready to intensify awareness on the devastating consequences of drugs.