Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
In a bid to tackle the rising rate of illicit Drug abuse, Kogi State Government has reconstituted a 26-member Drug Control Committee in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015–2019.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo Inaugurated the Committee which will be co-chaired by the Governor’s Wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo and State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Umar Mustapha Yahuza.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, the Governor said this followed the rising abuse of illicit drugs.
According to him, the effect of harmful drugs to the society especially insecurity and health is worrisome, hence the need for joint effort to tackle it.
“We all know the effects of hard drugs in our society. The purpose of this committee is to drastically reduce the sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs in Kogi State. ”
Governor Ododo pointed out that his administration is determined to ensure that the state is not a safe haven for drug dealers and users
He charged the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) to work as a team and hold regular discussions to achieve its goals, noting that success would lead to a saner and safer society.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the NDLEA Kogi Commander, Umar Mustapha Yahuza assured the government of their commitment to work round the clock to meet the objectives of the NDCMP in the state and thanked Governor Ododo for bringing the committee to life.
Membership of the Committee are drawn from the NDLEA, Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communications, Youth and Sports, Women Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, traditional rulers, chairmen of LGAs, youth associations, pharmaceutical bodies, NGOs/CSOs, and faith-based organisations (CAN/JNI) among other critical stakeholders.
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