By Ayodele Oni
Nigeria Governors’ Wives’ Forum is synergizing with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) in a bid to curb drug abuse among youths.
The Forum pledged support for the NDLEA in its ongoing war against abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs, while seeking a formidable partnership that would secure Nigeria from the menace of drug sub-culture.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the agency, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated that this was the highlight of a meeting between the leadership of the forum and the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja.
In her remarks, Erelu Fayemi said the visit was to inform Gen. Marwa of their collective decision to adopt drug abuse as a flagship project to address the alarming problem of abuse in the society.
“We are, therefore, here today to pledge our support for NDLEA to ensure that our country and communities become drug free. We are not willing to stand by as mothers and see our children consumed by this menace.”
She stated that NDLEA should continue to see State First Ladies as important allies in furtherance of the objectives of the agency; involve them in the fight against drugs as Champions in their respective States; help build the capacity of State Frist Ladies and their teams to be effective partners in the war against drug abuse and involve them in national and State campaigns against drugs.
In their contributions, the First Ladies of Kwara, Imo and Yobe expressed their willingness to key into the War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA) advocacy agenda and the National Drug Control Master Plan, (NDCMP), of the agency in their respective states.
Welcoming the governors wives, Gen. Marwa expressed appreciation for the visit, adding that the interest shown by them in the country’s drug problem shows their humanity and commitment to support their husbands engender a better society devoid of drug-induced criminalities.
“Let me put it on record that President Muhammadu Buhari is the number one drug fighter in Nigeria today because of all he has done to ensure the country wins the war against abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs.
“As such, we count on the states especially the governors wives as the pillars and partners through which citizens across the states, local councils and communities are mobilised to reject this ravaging sub-culture, he stated.”
He charged the governors wives to work with their husbands to make the drug problem a major priority on their agenda; support the state commands of NDLEA with logistics; set up rehabilitation centres; provide jobs and skills for the youths; massive advocacy campaigns on state-owned media houses and mandatory drug tests for students, workers as well as intending couples among others.
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