Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating drug and substance abuse calling on stakeholders in the society to take more responsibility towards ending the scourge.
The Chairman, Ogun State Drug Control Committee (OSDCC), who also doubles as Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Olufemi Fafiolu, gave this assurance during a Town Hall Meeting on Drug Abuse at Yewa (Egbado) College, Ilaro.
Pharm. Olufemi Fafiolu expressed concern for the high prevalence of the menace amongst the youths.
Represented by the Coordinator, OSDCC, Pharmarcist Bolajoko Igbagbo, the Chairman disclosed that the meeting was part of government’s multipronged strategy towards addressing the problem of drug abuse in the state, adding that such a meeting had been held earlier in Abeokuta and Sagamu, to cover the State’s three senatorial districts.
He said the government aimed to use the platform to sensitise and enlighten the stakeholders on the dangers inherent in drug & substance abuse, focusing on the effects of the drugs on individuals and the society at large.
“We understand the important role of various stakeholders in our fight against drug abuse. So, we have brought together stakeholders including Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, Community Development Committees, youth organisations, traditional rulers, Faith-Based Organisations, Parent Teachers Association and so on.
“If we are to achieve our goal of eradicating the menace in our society, we must collaborate with these stakeholders. However, they need to appreciate the massive effects of drugs on the society at large. I assure you that government will continue to play its part,” he said.
The Chairman noted the State Government through OSDCC has organized sensitisation and enlightenment campaigns in more than 150 secondary schools across the State, adding that focus is largely on the youths, being the most vulnerable demographic to the scourge.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, said the menace of drug abuse will continue to linger without parents taking responsibility for their actions, saying children are likely to emulate social vices from adults close to them.
The Paramount Ruler, who was represented by the Oloke Odan of Oke-Odan, Oba (Dr.) Olurotimi Fagbenro, added that government should increase sensitization on drug and substance abuse among transport workers, saying this would go a long way to reduce road accidents as many road crashes have also been linked to drug and substance abuse by drivers.