Ibadan – The House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, on Wednesday, raised concerns over the alarming rate of drug abuse among youths and women in the North Central region of the country.
The committee called on stakeholders in the region to take urgent and proactive steps to tackle the growing menace, which they described as “a threat to societal stability.”
Chairman of the House Committee, Rep. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin, while expressing his concern during the opening session of a two-day North Central National Sensitisation Workshop on Narcotics Drugs in Lafia, Nasarawa State, noted that prevention of the menace is a shared responsibility.
He urged Nigerians to create a supportive environment that empowers the youth and women to make healthy choices and steer clear of drugs.
Agboworin equally explained that the House of Representatives embarked on the sensitisation campaign due to the devastating effects of drug abuse on society, especially on the region’s vulnerable youth and women.
“This workshop is an essential step towards addressing an issue that affects not just individuals but the family, the community, and the nation as a whole.
“The effects of narcotics and other harmful substances lead to physical and mental health consequences, disrupt education, and increase the risk of violence and crime in our communities.
“In Nigeria, we see the impact of these issues reflected in many communities, and it is up to us to create an environment that promotes awareness, understanding, and prevention,” he stated.
While saying the workshop was aimed at equipping stakeholders with the necessary tools to combat and prevent drug abuse, he noted that youths are often exposed to peer pressure, while women face societal challenges that make them susceptible to drug abuse.
He said, “Prevention is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create an environment that empowers our youths and women to make healthy choices and stay away from drugs.”
Agboworin thanked Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and his wife, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, for their support in ensuring the success of the workshop.
He reiterated the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and state governments in their fight against drug abuse across the country.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, in his remarks, commended the House Committee for its efforts in combating drug abuse.
He stressed that the use of narcotics like marijuana and cocaine contributes to crime, banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
