Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country. The governor made this charge during a courtesy visit by the Agency’s Assistant Commandant General (Narcotics) and Director of Administration and Establishment, Alhaji Hamisu Lawal, at the Government House in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized the urgency of this declaration to combat the worrisome trend of substance and illicit drugs abuse in Nigeria. He identified factors like poor socio-economic backgrounds, bad parenting, family issues, poor academic performance, and social pressure as contributors to the rise in substance abuse.
The governor expressed concern that substance abuse predominantly affects youths, especially those in secondary and tertiary institutions, leading to unruly and destructive behaviors. He also condemned a recent incident involving the NDLEA that resulted in the death of a child in Okpanam area of the state.
Governor Oborevwori called for a concerted effort to tackle the increasing issue of substance abuse in Nigeria and appealed to the NDLEA to sustain its efforts in making the country a drug-free nation.
“I want to acknowledge the NDLEA for what they are doing in the war against drug trafficking and the use of illicit drugs. In recent times, there has been an increase of drug abuse and it is not a good thing for our State and our Country.
“The factors responsible for this ugly situation include poor socio-economic background, bad parenting, family problems, poor academic performance and social pressure.
“So, I want to appeal that you should continue to do your work and the State Government is ready to support you. As a Government, we will continue to support you in the fight against drug abuse.
“My wife and I visited the bereaved family. I also saw the injured one and commiserated with the family. The State will be paying the hospital bills as well.
“Despite what happened, you should continue to do your job of ensuring a drug free State and nation. If incidents like this discourages you, drug traffickers will only be emboldened to continue their illicit business,” the Governor said.
Earlier, the Assistant Commandant General (Narcotics) and Director of Administration and Establishment, Alhaji Hamisu Lawal who was accompanied by the Delta State Commandant of the Agency, Barr. Abubakar Wada, told the Governor that they were in his office on a courtesy visit.
Alhaji Lawal, who disclosed that the unfortunate incident that took place in Okpanam area of the State was not intentional, added that the Agency was very grateful to the State Government for its prompt intervention on the issue.
While applauding what he described as a ‘responsible leadership’ in the State, the NDLEA boss reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment towards nipping the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the Country in the bud.