Ibadan – As part of efforts to combat the growing menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North East/South East, Rep. Abass Adigun Agboworin, has advocated for the establishment of government-owned rehabilitation centers in each geo-political zone of the country.
He made the call on Thursday during an advocacy and sensitization programme organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the office of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs.
The event, which was aimed at supporting the fight against drug abuse, held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.
According to the lawmaker, who is the Chairman of the Committee, lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities would continue to serve as a major hindrance to effective treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.
“The establishment of government-owned rehabilitation centers in each region will go a long way in addressing the scourge of drug abuse in our country.
“These centers will provide affordable and accessible treatment options for drug addicts, regardless of wherever they come from and this will be good for our society. So, this is a vital part of the solution,” Agboworin stated.
The lawmaker noted that his call for government-owned rehabilitation centers is part of his broader efforts to address the issue of drug abuse in Nigeria.
He said: “We all know that I have been at the forefront of the campaign against drug abuse since I became the Chairman of NDLEA in the House of Representatives. Not only that, I have also been advocating for increased awareness, education, and treatment options for drug abusers.
“I believe the proposed rehabilitation centers will provide a range of services, including counseling and skills training for addicts.”
Similarly, the lawmaker appealed to government at all levels to support the fight against drug abuse by adequately funding the NDLEA, which is the agency in charge.
Agboworin said: “NDLEA is an agency that is doing very well as far as I am concerned. This is a very important agency but it is underfunded. Therefore, I appeal to our federal government, state government and local governments to urgently look inwards and make efforts towards curbing the menace.
“Truth is, our youths are very important to us. And if care is not taken, we might not have the youths, who are the future leaders, to rule the country tomorrow.
“The agency cannot perform well if it is not well-funded.”
He, however, called on other state governments to emulate Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in the fight against the menace.
“In Oyo State, my Governor is doing so well in this regard by providing necessary logistics in the state. But I want to urge other governors too to replicate what he is doing to fight drugs abuse,” he stated.
