Chairman/chief executive of the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (rtd), has warned against the stigmatisation of persons struggling with substance abuse, noting that such action would prevent people from coming out to seek help.
Marwa stated this at a special anti-drug abuse conference and public presentation of a book “The Last Syndicate” organised by the NDLEA Celebrity Drug-Free Club in commemoration of the 2023 international day against drug abuse and trafficking in Abuja, yesterday.
The NDLEA boss who was represented by the director, media and advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said, “It should also be noted that the agency recently launched a drug abuse call centre with a toll-free help line to enable members of the public to assess counselling and treatment from the comfort of their homes. I am glad to state that the patronage of the centre by members of the public is very encouraging and this is because the gap that has over the years existed between those who are struggling with substance abuse and the treatment they need, that gap has been breached because now they so not have the fear of being judged or fear of stigmatisation.”
He commended the Celebrity Drug Free Club for the initiative to fight drug abuse in the society and promised to continue supporting them.
“The club is a platform set up by celebrities to advance the campaign against substance abuse in the country, first within the industry where they operate and then to the larger society. We believe this would help to positively influence their fans and followers especially on social media where they have quite a lot of influence. This would help them stay away from substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. We must also know that indeed the agency supported some of their efforts.
“The theme for this year’s celebration which is ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’ no doubt has reaffirmed the importance of protecting humanity from the consequences of illicit drug and substance abuse. I urge our stakeholders to continue to promote the campaign against substance abuse,” he said.
The coordinator NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, Wilson Ighodalo, expressed gratitude to the NDLEA boss for his support.
He said, “This is an important day to reflect on the global challenge of illicit drugs and substance abuse. The international day against drug abuse and drug trafficking is principally to strengthen actions, cooperation in achieving the goal of a world drug free abuse.”
The emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Yamusa, decried the prevalence of drug abuse, noting that it had to be urgently tackled else it could ruin the future of the youths.
The author of the book that was presented and an officer of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said it was an anti-drug message.
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