Health

Eschew Drug Abuse – Owoeye

By Web News 615

The need for collective cooperation between stakeholders to address the challenges posed by illicit drug abuse amongst the Youth, has again been stressed.

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call on his Twitter handle to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking. 

Mr Owoeye stressed the need for more awareness for members of the public on the dangers inherent in drug abuse and to lay emphasis on safe guarding the future of the Nation.

While lauding the activities of The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in curbing the menace, the Speaker urged  personnel of the agency to intensify more on their duties.

The United Nations, UN, had set aside 26th June every year to campaign against Drug Abuse and illegal drug trade across the world. 


Mojisola Oladele

Crime

NDLEA Destroys over N1bn Worth of Illicit Drugs

By Web News 646

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed over sixteen thousand kilograms of cannabis Sativa and other psychotropic substances worth over one billion naira.

The public burning of the illicit drugs which was held on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway was led by NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa. 

The bags of the illicit hard drugs were piled up in the shape of a pyramid at the burning sire, sprayed with petrol for easy destruction. 

The area was cordoned off by armed security personnel in case of any foul play.

The destroyed hard drugs weighed approximately sixteen thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine kilograms comprising sixteen thousand cannabis Sativa, four kilograms of cocaine and over three hundred kilograms of psychotropic substances. 

Destroying the hard drugs, Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, said the agency would not relent on its efforts to ensure that the society is free of illicit substances. 

Retired General Marwa, who spoke through the NDLEA secretary, Mr Shadrach Haruna noted that attaining the objectives of the agency’s mandate had become imperative against the backdrop of the 14.4 percent high drugs use prevalence in Nigeria which was almost thrice the global average. 

“Occasions such as this are an open window for the public to have an insight into what the officers and men of the NDLEA are doing behind the scene. What we are here to do today is the tail end of a long drawn process that started with the gathering of intelligence, followed by interdiction, arrests and prosecutions”

“And for the officers and men of the Agency, it is a testament that the hard work of the past weeks months and years are not in vain”

Corroborating, NDLEA Commander in Oyo State, Mr Abdullahi Saeed said the drugs were seized within the state during routine operations from criminal elements whose inclination was to make quick and easy money at the expense of the well-being of the people. 

Mr Saeed said the agency has determined to serve the state maximally in order to change the ugly drug situation. 

The NDLEA State Commander, therefore, appreciated the collaborations with sister agencies, which made the job easy for the Command.

On his part, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Governor, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun pledged his support to the agency to collectively win the war against drug abuse. 

Rasheedah Makinde

Health

Oyo Government Parleys NDLEA In Fight Against Illicit Drugs

By Web News 1161

The Oyo state government in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is set to clamp down on consumers and sellers of illicit drugs to rid the state of criminals.

        The chairman, Oyo state drug Abuse and Control Committee,  Pharmacist Lukman Akinwande stated this in Ibadan at a media briefing held at the government Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The chairman, explained that consumers and sellers of illicit drugs would not be tolerated so as to end criminality.

     Mr Akinwande further called on religious bodies, NGOs, teachers, parents and political office holders to come up with more sensitization programmes to as to curb the menace.

      The Oyo state commander, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, NDLEA ,Josephine obi  cautioned people to be careful of what they eat especially at public functions so as not fall victim of wrong drug.

     Represented by her assistant in the agency,  Mr Anthony Gotar, noted that some people stuff narcotics and dangerous drugs inside  snacks and drinks especially at public events.

     In a speech, the Oyo state commissioner for health, Dr Bashir Bello who  identified poverty and unemployment as factors contributing to drug abuse and illicit trafficking explained that government is already taking step to reduce the menace through provision of free education and employment for the youths.

     The chairman, pharmaceutical society of Nigeria, Oyo state branch, Mr Sam Obitoye called establishment of task force to enforce existing laws on drug abuse.

       Mr Obitoye who lamented that there had been increase in reported psychiatric cases urged government to expidite action at curbing the menace.

       Contributing, The permanent secretary, Ministry of health, Doctor Muftau Ayoola represented by a Director in the ministry, Wole Lawal called for collaboration of everyone at fighting drug abuse and  illicit  trafficking.

      Responding, the Oyo state  commissioner for health, Doctor Bashir Bello called for more enlightenment on drug abuse by NGOs, Religious bodies, parents and educational institutions to discourage drug abuse.

     In a good will message the special assistant to the Oyo state government on youth and sports, Kazeem Bolarinwa advised the youths to shun any act that could tarnish their image.

        Abisola Oluremi