By Donald Ojebo
THE Delta State Government has assured Deltans of its commitment to the completion of the construction of the Drug Rehabilitation Center in Kwale as part of measures to provide adequate support for people battling with substance addiction.
Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme made this known on Tuesday in a statement, as part of activities to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Dr. Onojaeme stated that the state does not just focus on arrest of drug traffickers and enlightenment campaigns but goes further to produce a support system to help drug addicts come out of their addiction.
“Even though this problem of drug abuse has been with us for a long time now, the nomenclature has gradually changed from drug abuse to substance abuse as various substances that are not classified as drugs e.g. paint, petrol, gum, among others, are also abused thus making the drug challenge a hydra headed monster that needs to be tackled from all aspects,” the statement added.
“I want to appeal to everyone to join hands with the government to fight this battle against drug abuse by discouraging everyone from drugs and substance abuse, providing encouragement to people trying to overcome this addiction and providing information to the government in cases of drug trafficking and together, we will win this war against drug abuse.”
The Delta State Drug Control Committee inaugurated by the State Government to curb the menace of drug abuse has so far trained over 500 secondary school teachers on the dangers of drug abuse that had led to the setting up of drug free
clubs in various schools to dissuade students from taking illicit substances and to live a healthy and productive life.
Also, the Committee has increased its sensitization efforts and activities to market places, motor parks, and correctional centers with the view to enlightening the public on the dangers of substance abuse.
Celebration of the United Nations Day against Drug Abuse which is marked on the 26th day of June every year with various activities to throw more light on the dangers of substance abuse and to help the populace make the right decision regarding substance abuse.
