Experts calls for multi-sectoral and inter – agency engagement in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria

Participants at this year’s sensitization programme on Drug Abuse organised by Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) have called for the multi- sectoral and inter – agency engagement in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.

Speakers also called on all stakeholders involved viz the legislature, the Judiciary, non-

governmental organizations, civil society groups and all agencies of government must rise up to their responsibilities in ending drug abuse in Nigeria.

The program titled ‘Drug Abuse and our Future’ took place at Prof. Eyitayo Lambo conference room shi building, Abuja had other resolutions from both the panelists and the discussants as:

The need to amend our laws on drugs in order to incorporate present day realities notably the NDLEA Act.

The need for the Government to provide adequate means of rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse in order to aid their reintegration back into the society.

Conducting of public awareness campaigns through the media and other platforms such as in secondary schools in order to sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse.

The need to encourage openness between parents and children and address barriers that prevent young persons from access to youth friendly services.

The Program featured panel discussions which were led by four speakers who spoke on various issues as it relates to drug abuse. The first speaker was Mr Abubakar Chana, a representative of the Chairman of the House of Representative committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Hon Azodo Eucharia who gave an extensive talk on Drug Law and Enforcement. In his discussion, he stated the functions of the committee which include the processing of bills and motions relating to drugs and narcotics, as well as conducting awareness programs on drug abuse and its effect. He also stated the role of the National Drug Law enforcement agency whose function is amongst others to arrest, detain, and prosecute persons involved in illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The second speaker, Cecilia Oluwafisayo Aransiola, a girl child activist gave an extensive talk on ‘Charting the way forward on girl’s Drug abuse’. In her presentation, she highlighted that a report recently released stated that three million bottles of codeine are taken daily in Kano and Jigawa states. She reiterated the fact that these girls are vulnerable people who have a right to be protected and how the government has not fulfilled its obligations in protecting these vulnerable ones as provided for in our laws. Her discussion also covered some of the causes of drug abuse which are depression, stress, peer pressure, low self-esteem, Academic pressure and lack of parental communication and love.

The third speaker, Esv James Omezia, an enterpreneur discussed on Entrepreneurship, a gateway to overcoming drug abuse. He stressed the importance of young people finding a purpose in life and also getting involved in work or an engaging skill in order to divert one’s focus from the abuse of drugs.

Lastly, Mr. Peter Unekwu Friday, a tobacco control advocate who talked on Drug Abuse and Advocacy, emphasized the need for all of us to be involved in advocacy as a means to ending drug abuse.

Earlier, Dr Mike Omotosho, Founder of the Mike Omotosho Foundation in his opening remarks stressed the importance of being committedly committed to the fight against drug abuse in the country.

On his part Dr. Hope Omeiza Abraham who welcomed speakers to the high table acknowledged the mentoring role of Dr. Mike and his commitment to the fight against drug abuse.

He gave a brief of the many impacting projects VGADA has embarked on ranging from interviews with Television/radio station to news paper publishings, sensitization via online platforms and social media handles as well as peer education at various hotspots in Abuja.

Dr. Hope stated that VGADA has been able to help at least fifty persons directly through these fora. He concluded by emphasizing that trans-institutional engagement is key in curbing drug abuse.