Major stakeholders, including Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), have called on state governments to prioritize the fight against substance abuse. Their remarks came during a two-day training organized by NDLEA for spouses of state governors in Abuja.
During the opening ceremony of the Drug Prevention Treatment and Care (DPTC) training, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of collective efforts in combating drug abuse. She commended NDLEA and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for their collaborative initiative, urging attendees to translate knowledge into action through advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
Attorney General Fagbemi applauded NDLEA’s utilization of the Governors’ Spouses Forum to address drug abuse at the grassroots level. He emphasized the pervasive nature of drug use and its contribution to crime, stressing the pivotal role of attendees in shaping policies and practices within their communities.
Brig. Gen. Marwa highlighted the societal impact of substance abuse on public health and security, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address the issue. He urged governors’ wives to mobilize support for drug prevention and treatment, underscoring the importance of collaboration between stakeholders.
Furthermore, Marwa outlined NDLEA’s alternative development plan to discourage illicit drug cultivation and promote sustainable alternatives. He called for collective action to combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.
Representatives from various organizations, including UNODC, the European Union, and NACA, echoed the call for collaborative efforts to curb drug abuse. They emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral engagement and education in addressing the menace.
The call to prioritize drug prevention and treatment reflects a unified effort by stakeholders to combat substance abuse in Nigeria. With a focus on collaboration and advocacy, participants aim to drive meaningful change and create healthier, safer communities for all.