NEWS UPDATE: State Government Joins

By Yusuf Umar

The Adamawa State Government has joined other nations in celebrating the 2023 annual united nations international day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking set aside for 26th June.


At an event organized by the state drug control committee in the banquet hall government house Yola, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri reaffirmed his commitment to support individuals, groups or organisations committed to fighting drug abuse in the society.

In line with the theme for the 2023 world day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking "People first; stop stigma and discrimination; strengthen prevention", Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri regretted drugs use and its impact on Youths, warning against stigmatization, rather ensure prevention.

Speaking through his Deputy professor Kaletapwa Farauta who is equally the chairperson state drug control committee, the governor calls for hands to be on deck in the quest to have drug free Adamawa.

Governor Fintiri said his administration remains focused and committed to take the fight against drugs to the grassroots, advocating for the need for drugs use and its effects to be taught in schools.

A resource person Dr. John Stephen warned that drug abuse constitutes serious health issues and criminal offenses leading to unproductive society, hence the need to facilitate drug control mechanisms to nib the problem in the bud.

Dr. Stephen explained that to control drug abuse, the factors responsible for such act to include unemployment, poverty, frustration, parental degradation, peer group among others need to be looked into.

He further saw the need to strengthen action and cooperation, adding that identifying drivers of stigma and descrimination and basic drug abuse education are vital in achieving a society free of drugs.

Adamawa state commander NDLEA Agboalu Femi Samson in a welcome address commended the State government for its untiring support to the agency, especially in making the long-week activities to commemorate the 2023 international day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking a success

He said the leadership qualities demonstrated by the fresh air administration has left an indellible mark in the annals of history, promising the NDLEAs determination to redouble efforts in the fight against drug abuse

The agency he noted cannot achieve its mandate without the support of all,calling on parents, guardians, Religious and traditional leaders among other stakeholders to live above board in the fight against the menace to safe the future of the younger generation.

Samson reiterated that their doors are always open for guidance and counselling, treatment as well as management of those involved in drugs, even as he made case for additional logistics and mobility for effective service delivery

Other speakers to include the zonal commander NDLEA, zone B. Idris Muhammed Bello, Hama Bachama Homun Dr. Daniel Ismaila Shaga among others spoke on the effects of drug abuse and trafficking

The peak of the occasion was the decoration of the Deputy Governor professor Kaletapwa Farauta as an ambassador of war against drug abuse WADA, by the  NDLEA.