President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, spearheaded a significant initiative at the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Drug Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
The campaign, titled “The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention,” highlighted the pressing need to address the global challenge of drug abuse through proactive measures.
As the Special Guest of Honour, President Tinubu reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to combatting drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
He emphasized that prevention is key in tackling this issue, as it not only saves lives but also conserves resources that would otherwise be allocated to treatment and rehabilitation.
President Tinubu acknowledged the commendable efforts of organizations, communities, and individuals who tirelessly work towards preventing drug abuse and its associated harms.
He recognized their dedication and commitment as invaluable contributions to the collective fight against the illicit drug menace.
Highlighting the grave consequences of illicit drugs and substances on individuals, families, communities, and countries worldwide, Tinubu stressed the devastating socio-economic and health impacts. These consequences strain healthcare systems and place a burden on governments and people at large.
Investing in prevention, according to President Tinubu, is a prudent approach to safeguarding the future. It empowers individuals to make informed choices, promotes healthy lifestyles, and fosters resilient communities capable of withstanding the pressures of drug abuse.
President Tinubu expressed his full support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) efforts in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. He commended their intensified endeavors to prevent Nigerians from falling prey to the drug scourge.
In his address, President Tinubu urged all citizens to embrace the War Against Drug Abuse initiative, also known as the WADA campaign, launched by the NDLEA three years ago.
He called upon religious leaders, traditional leaders, educational institutions, opinion leaders, and civil society organizations to unite in this noble cause.
President Tinubu assured the nation of his administration’s unwavering support, emphasizing the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on the youth and their protection from anything that may hinder their future or potential.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), further explained the significance of the Save Our Families (SOF) campaign. This social advocacy initiative aims to encourage families to regularly test their children as a deterrent against potential drug use.
The campaign, launched by the President, promotes early detection and intervention through the utilization of special drug test kits produced by the Agency. These kits are envisioned to become a necessity in every home, school, and workplace, facilitating the prevention and combat of drug use.
