Ogun State deputy governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has said that drug abuse is a global phenomenon and no nation in the world can boldly claim immunity to the threat.
Speaking at the 2019 edition of United Nations’ International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, with the theme, ‘Health for Justice, Justice for Health’, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC), Idiroko Special Area Command, the deputy governor lamented the rate drugs and drug markets were expanding with an increasing link between drug trafficking, corruption and other forms of organised crime.
She disclosed that the menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking over the years had posed horrible threats to human lives, national development and security, hence the United Nations resolve since 1989 to raise awareness about the major problems that unlawful use and distribution of drugs portend for the society.
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He then urged traditional rulers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, professional bodies and the media to join hands to fight the menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
A release by the press officer, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Seun Boye, Salako-Oyedele enjoined parents, as first teachers, to instil in their children good values and show good examples, calling on other security agencies not to leave the fight to NDLEA alone, but join hands in the areas of intelligence exchange and other support services.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Idiroko Area Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ibinabo Archie-Abia, said drug trafficking and use had destabilised families, truncated promising future of the youths and had remained a negative force driving antisocial behaviour and increasing deterioration of social values and norms.