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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Oyo State Government has expressed its commitment to fight the rising rate of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking among youths and students in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju, stated this at an event organised to mark the United Nations’ International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking on the theme, “People first: stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,” Adeyanju stated that majority of drug cases were recorded among students and youths, stressing the need to intensify awareness on the consequences of drug abuse among the youths and students.
He said the state government has commenced intervention programmes to tackle the menace in order to improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
“According to reports by the UNODC, in the year 2021, around 275 million people used drugs worldwide, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorder, consequently, the number of people using drugs increased by 22%, owing in part to global population growth.
“As a responsive government, the Oyo State Government has put in place a Drug Abuse Control committee. The committee is inter-ministerial and domiciled at the state Ministry of Health, saddled with the responsibility of waging war against drug abuse and misuse in the state.
“Consequences of drug abuse and misuse are serious and dangerous. Drug abuse could lead to social, legal, financial/economic, physical and mental health consequences, which may differ depending on how far the addiction has progressed and the type of drug being used,” he said.
He reiterated that as part of the intervention programmes, the committee would intensify the constituted drug free clubs in schools across the state, markets, motor parks, tertiary institutions among others.
Adeyanju further said that the intervention programme will focus on providing educational and awareness campaigns by informing the general public about the dangers of drug abuse.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has also reacted to curb the excesses of drug productions, circulation, distribution and consumption by creating agencies such as NAFDAC and NDLEA with various mandates,” he added.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mufutau Ayoola, emphasised the importance of creating a healthier community through collective efforts in addressing drug abuse.
He urged all citizens to support the intervention programme and stay away from drug abuse.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Oyo State, Pharm. Gbenga Oguntoye, and the Director of Pharmacy, Ministry of Health, Pharm. Lukeman Akinwande, stated that stigma and discrimination surrounding drug abuse can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.