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The 26th of June is a day set aside to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world that is free of drug abuse. The theme for this year is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.
The theme teaches countries the importance of understanding that effective drug policies need to be grounded in science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rights.
NDLEA Commander, Apapa Special Area Command, Udotong Noah Essien, said drug trafficking is a major contributor to crimes, leads to the waste of human lives and properties and also depletes the productive workforce.
He emphasized the need for drug abuse prevention which resonates with this year’s theme through continuous creation of awareness, public education against Illicit drug trafficking which the agency achieves through the War Against Drug Trafficking (WADA) initiative of the Chairman Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brigadier General Babar Marwa.
He called on the stakeholders to continue to partner with the agency so that drug trafficking can be reduced to its barest minimum.
Also, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, said that illicit drug trafficking tears families apart; leads to crime, violence, instability and hinders national development.
He reiterates the Command’s continuous support in the fight against drug trafficking and emphasized the need to support NDLEA in achieving a drug free society.
The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, noted that drug abuse is a global menace that needs to be prevented from spreading its tentacles.
He stressed the need to get the right narrative on the dangers of drug abuse and disseminate it to the youths.
The Assistant Commander- General of Narcotics, Florence Ezeonye, noted that it is important to invest in sensitization against drug abuse because it has become a great problem to the Nigerian society.
She highlighted ways to enhance drug abuse prevention which include; taking effective and practical primary prevention measures that protect children and youth from drug use initiations, providing them with adequate information about the risk of drug abuse, promoting skills and opportunities for healthy lives styles and ensuring equal access to education and training.
She accentuated the need to fill all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions with Drug Education Curriculum development studies in collaboration with NDLEA and ministries of health and education. This is to prevent the spread of drug abuse among Nigerians.
The NDLEA Commander, Tincan Special Area Command, Muhammed Abubakar, gave the vote of thanks
He appreciated the guests and emphasized that their continuous collaboration has helped the agency in breaking the cycle of drug abuse and to saving many lives.
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