By Abubakar Abraham
The Kogi State Government officially inaugurated the Kogi State Drug Control Committee, a pivotal step toward curbing the menace of drug abuse and its associated criminal activities in the state.
The ceremony, held under the leadership of the Secretary to the State Government (SGS), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, emphasised the committee’s critical role in fostering youth development and safeguarding the future of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
The committee’s target is to drastically reduce the sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs in Kogi State.
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Performing the ceremony, Dr. Ayoade, highlighted the connection between drug abuse and criminal activities such as kidnapping and robbery, stressing the need to make Kogi an inhospitable environment for drug dealers and users.
“Our assignment is simple yet profound: to restore safety and freedom to our communities by tackling drug abuse head-on,” she said, using the metaphor of a broom to illustrate the collective effort required to sweep away this societal scourge.
The committee, chaired by the wife of the Governor of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, with Mr. Umar Yahuza, State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the alternate chairperson, comprises representatives from various sectors, including ministries, agencies, NGOs, and religious bodies.
In her inauguration speech, Dr. Ayoade expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and underscored the committee’s divine mandate. She outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include developing a comprehensive framework for advocacy, sensitization, and monitoring of drug-related activities.
The committee is tasked with producing a commitment, defining roles, and creating user-friendly reporting templates. Just as regular meetings and timely feedback were emphasized as critical to achieving the committee’s objectives.
Dr. Ayoade shared personal anecdotes, contrasting the safety of her youth—when she could study in an empty classroom without fear—with the current challenges posed by drug-related crimes. She urged members to work tirelessly to restore such safety, emphasising patience and faith as exemplified by her own journey from humble beginnings to success.
The SGS highlighted alarming statistics on drug abuse in Kogi State, noting its strategic location as a corridor for drug trafficking. The NDLEA, under Mr. Yahuza’s leadership, has seized significant quantities of illicit drugs, but challenges persist due to limited resources and the need for public cooperation. Dr. Ayoade recounted tragic stories, including a young boy who killed his father under the influence of drugs, underscoring the urgent need for action.
The committee’s strategy includes extensive public sensitization campaigns targeting schools, motor parks, and places of worship. Dr. Ayoade called for collaboration with organizations like CAN, JNI, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to promote proper prescription practices and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. She emphasized community involvement in identifying drug-dependent individuals and addressing the root causes of addiction.
A key focus of the committee is engaging Kogi’s youths to deter them from quick-wealth schemes and drug abuse. Dr. Ayoade shared her story of growing up in poverty, living in a single room with her siblings, yet achieving success through patience and faith. She urged young people to trust in “God’s timing” and avoid the pitfalls of drug-related crimes, which often lead to ritualism and violence.
Dr. Ayoade expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to tackling drug abuse, including plans to establish a world-class rehabilitation center in Kogi State. She also commended the NDLEA, the Pharmaceutical Society, and other stakeholders for their efforts.
The Kogi State Drug Control Committee is poised to make a significant impact in combating drug abuse through collaborative efforts, public sensitization, and strategic interventions. With the support of the state government, law enforcement, and community stakeholders, the committee aims to restore safety and hope to Kogi State, ensuring a brighter future for its youth and residents.
In attendance at the meeting were Mr Umar Yahuza the state Commander, NDLEA Kogi state Command, the Chairman House Committee on Drug Abuse representing Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Usman Ochidi, Pharm, Lawal Mohammed, representing Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, Olumoko Adeniji,Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Pharm(Mrs) Hajara Mvazu, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Mrs Oricha Faith(JP), Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Abubakar Abdullahi, Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Others include: Yakubu Momoh, NDLEA SDCC focal person, Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo Esq, the Deputy Director, Ministry of Justice, Tsebam Ezekiel, the Deputy Director, Ministry of Education, Rev. Oluwasomidire Simon representing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dorathy Onoja representing Ministry of Information, Samuel Kadiri ,Chairman Coalition for Youth Civil Society Organization, Alh. Aliu Salau Chairman, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Mr Patrick Bello representing the ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Nnadi Johnson representing National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr Olokun Tosin representing, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) among others
