By Emma Njoku
The Oyo State government said it is committed to fight the rising rate of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking among the youth in the state.
The Co-ordinating Director, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Gideon Alade, in a statement, yesterday, said the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusoji Adeyanju, made the disclosure in Ibadan, on Monday, at a media briefing on this year’s United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Adeyanju, while emphasising on the theme for the year, “People first: stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”, revealed that majority of drug cases were reported to be among students and youths, hence, the need to intensify awareness on the consequences of drug abuse among the youth.
He disclosed that the state government has commenced intervention programmes to tackle the menace, towards improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
He said: “According to reports by the UNODC, in the year 2021, around 275 million people used drugs worldwide, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorder, consequently, the number of people using drugs increased by 22%, owing, in part, to global population growth.
“As a responsive government, the Oyo State government has put in place a drug abuse control committee. The committee is inter-ministerial and domiciled at the state ministry of health, saddled with the responsibilities of waging war against drug abuse and misuse in the state.
“Consequences of drug abuse and misuse are serious and dangerous. Drug abuse could lead to social, legal, financial/economic, physical and mental health consequences which may differ, depending on how far the addiction has progressed and the type of drug being used.”
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that as part of the intervention programmes, the committee would intensify the constituted drug free clubs in schools across the state, markets, motor parks and tertiary institutions, among others.
He added that the intervention programme will focus on providing educational and awareness campaigns by informing the general public about the dangers of drug abuse. He also reiterated the importance of its prevention, stressing that the programme will assist in developing policies that would strengthen the regulation and control of the sales and distribution of drugs.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has also reacted to curb the excesses of drug productions, circulation, distribution and consumption by creating agencies, such as NAFDAC and NDLEA with various mandates,” he added.
Also, in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mufutao Ayoola, disclosed the importance of creating a healthier community through collective efforts in addressing drug abuse. He urged all citizens to support the intervention programme and stay away from drug abuse.
“It is gratifying to note that the issue of drug abuse has generated some interest, both within and outside the country, considering the consequences of the menace of drug abuse and misuse in our society, especially among the youths.
“I want to sincerely throw my weight behind this call because all hands must be on deck to fight this menace to a standstill. It is also of great concern that the elderly ones are not left out of drug abuse and misuse, reiterating that it was reported that a 71-year-old man passed on in Ibadan after taking Colorado.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Gbenga Oguntoye, and the Director Pharmacist, Ministry of Health, Lukeman Akinwande, stated that stigma discrimination surrounding drug abuse could prevent individuals from seeking help.
To this end, he said pharmacists are essential resources for those struggling with drug abuse by providing non-judgmental support and connecting them with proper treatment options. The duo further noted that the theme for the year was an excellent reminder for pharmacists to look beyond just dispensing medications.