Nasarawa Govt seeks stakeholders’ collaboration to address drug abuse
Nasarawa State Government has sought the collaboration of stakeholders to develop effective strategies toward addressing the root cause of drugs abuse.
READ ALSO:Anambra Governor’s wife Donates Drugs, others To Rehab Centre
Mr Ibrahim Angbolo, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism made the call on Tuesday at the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Lafia, during the state sensitisation campaign against drug abuse in the tertiary institutions.
According to the Commissioner, the Government of Nasarawa State is committed to supporting initiatives that will promote drug prevention and treatment programme, particularly tertiary institutions.
Angbolo who spoke through the Director of Mobilisation, Dr Tukura Danladi, urged the students to take firm decision against drug abuse, noting that drug abuse not only affect the user but has far reaching consequences on the society.
“Today, I am pleased to be part of this sensitisation campaign against drug abuse in our tertiary institutions, our young people are the future of our nation, it is essential that we protect them from the danger of substance abuse. Drug abuse lead to increased health problems, and social instability. It hinder personal growth and development, and also undermines our collective efforts to build a prosperous society. So, it is our responsibility as a government, educators, parents and community members to work together toward eradicating this scourge from our society,” he said.
Angbolo, while thanking the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for partnering with the Ministry of Information, called on heads of tertiary institutions to join in the fight against drug abuse to create a safer and healthier environment for the youths to thrive.
Earlier in his presentation, Yekeh Cornelius, the state Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction (DDR), NDLEA Nasarawa state, said the Agency was currently working toward demand reduction of substance abuse.
Cornelius, represented by Adamu Mohammed, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, enjoined students not to associate with drug dependants or visit where drugs were being sold.
He also urged parents to closely observe their children and wards.
He listed effects of drugs abuse to include damage to the liver, brain, academic backwardness, sexual transmitted diseases, HIV/ AIDS, cultism, dementia among others.
Dr Musa Maikeffi, Rector, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, represented by Dr Vincent Ayah, Deputy Rector, commended the Ministry of Information and NDLEA for the laudable sensitisation campaign against drug abuse across tertiary institutions in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Mohammed Sidi, Students Union President, appreciated the Ministry of Information and NDLEA for the collaboration toward addressing the menace of drug abuse in tertiary institutions in the state.
NAN/Wumi
