The Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Initiative Against Addiction and Substance Abuse in Nigeria (IAASAN) board of trustees, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has said the organisation was determined to take youths off the streets by empowering them.
He said the initiative was aimed at curbing the menace of drug abuse among youths and vulnerable groups.
He made the remarks at the IAASAN’s drug awareness conference 2022 in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja.
The chairman and chief executive officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) said the agency in the last 18 months convicted over 2000 criminals and counselled and rehabilitated 12,326 persons.
Marwa who called for drug integrity test for intending couples in order to reduce domestic violence said Nigeria was becoming a leading drug hub in Africa as 14.4 percent Nigerians abuse drugs.
He said drug abuse must be prevented in homes, families and communities.
He added that the menace has reached a monsterous proportion and therefore condemned calls for the legalisation of Cannabis.
He said already about 10.6 million Nigerians abuse drugs.
Marwa however expressed hope that the pharmaceutical council bill if passed into law will reduce access to controlled drugs and by extension insecurity.
He said while many people do not understand the nexus between drug abuse and insecurity, drugs abuse remains a catalyst for insecurity, terrorism, banditry and other criminal acts.
Marwa stated that the traditional institution remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse, adding that over 1million patent stores were being operating illegally in Nigeria.
National security adviser (NSA) Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd) who was represented by Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed said the Nigeria has experience an increase trend in drug demands.
He stated that the traditional rulers were the most suited partners in the fight against drug abuse,adding that the fight against drug menace was a continuous endeavor.
The first lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, who was represented by Mohammed Sani Zoro, called on religious leaders to preach against drug abuse.
She lamented that Nigerian citizens top chart of persons convicted of hard drugs, trafficking and internet fraud.
She therefore called for a strengthened synergy to avoid tragedy associated with drug trade.
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