Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized the agency’s dependence on collaboration with stakeholders in the fight against illicit drugs. He called for empathy and support for individuals struggling with drug abuse, highlighting their inherent dignity and the need to break down barriers preventing them from seeking help.
MTN Foundation, represented by Chairman Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, stressed the urgency of intensifying the fight against drug abuse, considering it a national emergency. Adelusi-Adeluyi called for strategic policies and partnerships to address the scourge and emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions to combat the issue effectively.
The news highlights the Nigerian government’s commitment to combatting drug abuse and eliminating stigma and discrimination. It emphasizes the need for a people-centered approach, education, empathy, and collaboration among all stakeholders to create a society that supports individuals struggling with drug addiction and provides them with necessary resources for recovery.
Key Highlights
- president Bola Tinubu Supports “People First” Approach to Fight Drug Abuse: During the annual United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, endorsed the theme of the celebration: “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being and dignity of individuals affected by drug abuse and stressed the need to provide effective prevention and treatment interventions.
- President Urges Education and Support for Drug Abuse Victims: President Tinubu highlighted the significance of educating citizens about the dangers of drug abuse and the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination. He called for empowering youth with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and providing resources to help victims avoid falling into drug abuse. The President emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach focusing on prevention and treatment to combat the challenges of drug abuse.
- Speaker of the House of Representatives Advocates Empathy and Support: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the need for empathy towards drug abuse victims and dispelled the notion that addiction is a death sentence. He expressed the National Assembly’s readiness to support government policies that promote gainful engagement, particularly among vulnerable youths. The Speaker stressed the importance of treating drug abusers and their families with respect, dignity, and support.
