By Ahmed Ajikobi

Worried by the prevalence of drug abuse among youths, the Commander, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kwara State Command, Barr. Onah Ogilegwu has urged the state government to ensure adequate funding of relevant enforcement agencies.

He noted that it is only when the agencies are well financed and equipped that the fight against the social menace can be effective.

The NDLEA boss gave the charge at the first Drug Abuse and Prevention Summit organised by Zetsi Africa in collaboration with office of the Special Adviser to state governor on Student Affairs.

Ogilegwu also charged stakeholders to lend support to the fight against drug abuse, suggesting that periodic enlightenment programmes should be organised for youth by Non Governmental Organisations, enforcement agencies, religious organisations and youth groups among others.

“The full participation and concerted efforts of all stakeholders in fighting the menace of drug abuse in our society will contribute in no small measure to the realisation of the goal of a drug free society.

“Proper understanding of the nature and extent of the drug problem in the society will lead to greater effort to combat the problem effectively,” he added.

Ogilegwu pointed out that no society can afford to remain ‘docile and dormant’ while the drug problem drastically rip through its socio-economic, cultural and political fabrics, adding that the major factors leading to drug abuse are within the society.

“The abusers and dealers are within the society. The resources to fight this monster are also within the society,” he further said.

Earlier, the Director of Zetsi Africa, Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Jeje said that the menace of drug abuse can only be tackled through collective actions, urging that  a medium through which sensitisation on the effects, causes and control of the vice, should be created.

“By providing timely rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse, the menace of drug abuse can be eradicated swiftly from our society,” he submitted.