- Reaffirms Commitment To War Against Illicit Drugs
By Sunday Egede
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, said his administration was constructing a drug rehabilitation centre in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state, where those affected by drug abuse could access quality healthcare services.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed this during the commemoration of the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was organised at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, by the Delta State Drugs Control Committee (SDCC).
The governor, who was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, said the rehabilitation centre will be equipped with the necessary resources and qualified professionals that would employ global best practices.
According to him, the goal of his administration was not only to provide rehabilitation but also to ensure the reintegration and empowerment of affected persons into the society with dignity and purpose.
He said his administration was committed to investing in comprehensive prevention programmes that target all segments of society from homes, educational institutions, work places and the community at large.
“Today, we come together to commemorate the United Nations Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, an occasion of great significance globally.
“As the Governor of Delta State, I stand before you to address this pressing issue of drug abuse and reaffirm our commitment to the fight against drug abuse.
“This year’s theme: “The Evidence ls Clear: Invest ln Prevention” resonates deeply with our core values as Deltans. As a people, we know that prevention has always been better than cure.
“We believe that available resources are prudently channelled towards preventing youths from self-destructive habits such as drug abuse, their right thinking and sound mind are repositioned for the onerous responsibility of taking the lead now and in the future.
“To achieve this, we must strengthen our preventive strategies. Prevention is not just about stopping drug abuse before it begins but also, about empowering our people with the skills and support they need to make healthy choices and live productive lives,” Governor Oborevwori said.
The governor noted that pragmatic measures such as campaigns and intense advocacies against drug abuse and its attendant effects would no doubt, promotes a healthy society where youths channel their mental vigor and intellectual capacities towards wealth creation.
He, therefore, urged the State Drugs Control Committee to sustain its intensive public awareness campaigns through the dissemination of accurate information about the risks and consequences of drug abuse by collaborating with youth groups, community leaders, faith-based organisations and Civil Society Groups to foster a culture of prevention through the establishment of drug free clubs in public schools and sensitisation visits to correctional facilities within the state among others.
While saying that tackling drug abuse requires collective efforts that extends beyond government and its institutions, the governor called on all stakeholders, families, schools, businesses and communities to come together and collaborate in its (government) mission to strengthen preventive measures, support those in need and eradicate stigmatisation.
“Let us create a network of support and understanding where no one is left behind. As we commemorate this important day, let us re-commit ourselves to the course of drug free Delta State.
“I am confident that with our collective determination and unwavering dedication, we will build a Delta State that is strong, resilient and free from the clutches of drug abuse,” he added.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, who was represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff to the governor, Princess Ewoma Erijo said prevention was the cornerstone of the fight against drug abuse.
She, therefore, harped on the need for sustained commitment and dedication towards the implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies that empower Deltans with the knowledge, skills and resilience necessary to make informed decisions.
“Education plays a pivotal role in prevention. We must continue to engage with parents, teachers and community leaders to raise awareness and provide guidance on recognising the signs of drug abuse
“We should acknowledge that every individual touched by drug abuse deserved understanding, support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives without facing stigma and discrimination.
“As part of our pet project ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’, we will in collaboration with other agencies, join in the fight against drug abuse,” Deaconess Tobore stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojame noted that drug abuse was a universal problem, adding that no nation in the world was immuned to the drug scourge which he said, costs across every age, race, gender, religion and socio-economic strata of the society.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Philomina Okeowo said drug abuse situation in the country was alarming, adding that the issue has become a big challenge.
“The nature of the drug problem is such that cannot be fought and won in isolation. We need to collaborate in the campaign for a drug free Delta State so that together, we will attain a drug free society.
“The abuse of substances is truly worrisome and its harmful effects are wide as nobody is free from it and therefore, calls for a greater collaboration between the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), churches mosques, private establishment and the general public,” the Commissioner said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the State Commandant of the NDLEA, Abubakar Wada said the
Command has adopted effective measures aimed at combating the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state, pointing out that drug offenders were usually arrested and prosecuted in court where they are sent to prison to serve as a deterrent to others.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Olufemi Surajudeen Abaniwonda who was represented by CSP Agaga John, said the police have been actively engaged in the fight against drug abuse in the state, adding that addressing the issue required a multi faceted approach involving healthcare, social services and community engagements “and most especially at the family level which is the nucleus of the larger society.”
