In Nigeria, significant stakeholders have demanded that state governments give substance abuse prevention top priority in their strategic work plans for a safe and secure society.
These major stakeholders, including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as well as the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), tasked the states with seeing the war against the drug menace as a collective effort
The charge was given at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care (DPTC), organised by NDLEA for spouses of state governors in Abuja on Monday, February 12, 2024.
In her keynote address at the event, Tinubu, a special guest of honour, who was represented by wife of the Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, commended Marwa and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for the initiative.
“I commend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for organising this vital training and for your ongoing efforts in combating drug abuse in Nigeria. I equally commend the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, Ambassador (Dr) Olufolake Abdulrazaq, for this significant collaboration,” Sen Tinubu said.
She continued, “We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response.
“We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction and foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders.
“As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them towards a future free from the shackles of addiction.
