Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has decried the rising cases of drug abuse and trafficking involving women in the country, describing the situation as worrisome and sad.
He said the disturbing trend touches the country’s conscience because of the role of women as society’s moral compasses as it relates to the upbringing and transmission of acceptable values, goals, and aspirations to the younger generation.
He stated this while opening a two-day Sensitisation Workshop on Narcotics Drug Abuse and Prevention among Females and Youths in the north-central zone of the country on Wednesday in Lafia.
“Let me state that the unfortunate involvement of women in drug abuse and trafficking, who traditionally are the conscience and moral compact of the society, the crucial role they play in the upbringing and transmission of acceptable values and goals and aspirations of the younger generation is worrisome,” he pointed out.
He also lamented the rising incidences of complex drug intake, which he said has become some vogue among the youth in the country, noting that the development throws up vices which threaten the very fabric of the nation.
“I therefore challenge governors from this zone to partner in ensuring that we find a way to stop the abuse of narcotic drugs among our youths and women in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that his administration was committed to changing women’s narratives by empowering and educating them and enhancing their capacities through the growth and development of the state’s education and skills acquisition programmes.
Governor Sule commended the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and all the staff for their tireless efforts in ridding the country of the menace.
He also appreciated the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs for organising the workshop, even as he urged participants to suggest practical ways towards addressing the challenges of drug abuse in the country.
Also speaking at the occasion, the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Narcotic drugs, Hon Abas Adigun, said the committee has been working with relevant stakeholders to chart ways of addressing the challenges.
He called on state governors to evolve mechanisms to check the menace in their respective states and urged parents to monitor their wards’ activities constantly.
