Oyo State Government Pledges To Curb Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking

The Oyo State Government has expressed its commitment to combating the rising rate of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking among youth and students in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, PS, Ministry of Health, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju, declared this in Ibadan, the state capital, at an event organised in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

While emphasising the theme for the year, “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”, Adeyanju said, in a press statement, that majority of drug cases were reported to be among students and youths, hence, the need to intensify awareness on the consequences of drug abuse among the youth, became necessary.

Intervention  Programmes

Me noted that the Oyo State Government had commenced intervention programmes to tackle the menace towards improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

Adeyanju explained that reports by the UNODC, in the year 2021, says 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 percent, owing in part to global population growth.

He stated: “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 responsibilities 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,” the PS noted.

Similarly, Adeyanju reiterated that as part of the intervention programmes, the committee would intensify the constituted drug free clubs in schools, markets, motor parks and tertiary institutions, among others, across the state.

He said the intervention programme would focus on providing educational and awareness campaigns by informing the general public about the dangers of drug abuse.

The PS also emphasised the importance of preventing drug abuse, stressing that the programme would assist in developing policies that would strengthen the regulation and control of the sales and distribution of drugs.

Adeyanju stated: “The Nogerian Government 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.”

Also in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr Mufutao Ayoola, highlighted the importance of creating a healthier community through collective efforts in addressing drug abuse, urging all citizens to support the intervention programme and stay away from drug abuse.

Ayoola said: “It is gratifying to note that the issue of drug abuse has generated some interest both within and outside the country considering the consequences of the menace of drug abuse and misuse in our society, especially among the youths.

“I want to sincerely throw my weight behind this call because all hands must be on deck to fight this menace to a standstill. It is also of great concern that the elderly ones are not left out of drug abuse and misuse, reiterating that it was reported that a 71 year old man passed on in Ibadan after taking Colorado.”  

In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Gbenga Oguntoye and the Director Pharmacist, Ministry of Health, Lukeman Akinwande, maintained that the stigma and discrimination surrounding drug abuse could prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

The duo consequently revealed that pharmacists were essential resources for those struggling with drug abuse by providing non-judgmental support and connecting them with proper treatment options, noting that the theme for the year is an excellent reminder for pharmacists to look beyond just dispensing medications.

Confidence Okwuchi