The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Benue state command, has organized a walk to sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to maintain a drug free society.
The walk is part of activities to mark the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis.”
The State Commander NDLEA, Benue state Command, Mrs Esther Musa, who led the train from Tito roundabout at the Low Level area of Makurdi to the Agency’s state office complex located off Ankpa Road, Makurdi, were accompanied by personnels from other sister agencies and organizations; the police, Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Nigerian Security Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Youth Corps members, representatives of the state First lady’s foundation, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, ESLF among others.
Speaking during the walk, the state commander while noting that the increasing rate of crime in the country was due to the intake of illicit drugs called all and sundry to join hands in the fight to ensure a drug free society.
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According to her, “Today is United Nation’s day for addressing health and humanitarian crisis. You will all agree with me that drug abuse challenges have become a problem that calls for concern for all and sundry. It is a health problem as well as a humanitarian challenge because of the crisis that we are currently experiencing as a result of drug abuse.
“So, we are embarking on this walk to sensitize the general public to stay off drugs, that drugs have no benefit, that drugs damage your health and cause crisis for us in the society.
“We call on you to join hands with NDLEA, the general populace, the community leaders, children, parents and everyone, should join us in this fight and say no to drugs,” Musa appealed.
The First Lady of the state, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, through the Coordinator of Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, ESLF, Tine Agenor, promised to work with NDLEA to sensitize the Benue public saying “We must preach and take action against drug abuse. Everyone gathered here today should be an ambassador by fighting against drug abuse in their respective domains until our society is free of drug abuse.”
Others who spoke including representatives from NOA, NIS, NSCDC, Nigerian Police and the National Youth Service Corps as well as the Benue artistes, all expressed their commitment to the against drug abuse.
The Direction, NOA, Benue State, Mr. Joseph Ijir, particularly called on Nigerians, especially the youths, to stay off drugs.
He said, “Don’t spoil your future by involving yourself in drugs. Drugs will do you no good. Stop the use of ganja, monkey tail, ogogoro, excess alcohol and Indian hemp. Let us have a drug free society where we have a future.”
