The wife of the governor of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has promised to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight against drug abuse and drug trafficking in the state.
She noted that the state government is already making arrangements for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre to cater for drug addicts in the state.

Hajia Sefinat Ododo disclosed this while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the activities marking World International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lokoja.

The governor’s wife, who was represented by the deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs Comfort Ojoma Nwuchola Egwaba, said the state government and the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, are already working together to establish the centre.

She noted that her NGO, Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, have been carrying out a lot of enlightenment and sensitisation across the three senatorial districts of the state, to deter youths from engaging in drug abuse.

She called on all stakeholders to join hands with the NDLEA, Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, and all parents to achieve a drug-free society.

Earlier, the state commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, said the agency recently destroyed over 20 tons of illicit drugs seized and has counselled several drug dependents as well as rehabilitated some addicts brought to the Command.

He said one of the activities to mark the day was a road walk across the state capital by the NDLEA and other sister agencies to commemorate the day.

While speaking on this year’s commemoration theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the commander commended the state government and the governor’s wife for partnering with the agency in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

The commander appealed to the state government to speed up work on the provision of rehabilitation centres for drug addicts.

The coordinator of the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Karimat Abdullahi Muisudeen, called on all stakeholders to join hands in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.