By Kehinde Erin
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has made a bold commitment to keep his state free from the scourge of narcotic drugs.
This promise is a welcome development, considering the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities.
The Governor announced his commitment to keeping the State free from narcotic drugs during the official 2025 public destruction of exhibits by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kogi State Command at Confluence Beach Hotel in Ganaja, Lokoja, Kogi State, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
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Representing the Governor, Commander Jerry Omodara (RTD), the State Security Adviser, stressed the significance of a drug-free environment in discouraging young people from using drugs. This emphasis is crucial, considering the severe consequences of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities.
He explained that by promoting a drug-free lifestyle, the state aims to protect its youth from the harmful effects of substance abuse, which can lead to health problems, poor academic performance, and even criminal behavior.
Governor Ododo has vowed to eradicate cannabis cultivation in four Local Government Areas in Kogi State, notorious for this illicit activity. To achieve this, the Governor has pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to destroy these cannabis farms and combat drug abuse in the state.
The Governor further pledged to support the NDLEA in its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking within the state.
In the same vein, Brigadier General Muhammed Buba Marwa, Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has pledged to protect Kogi State from the scourge of drug traffickers and users.
Represented by Alhaji Suleiman Nigi, he emphasised the devastating consequences of narcotic drugs on human lives, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to combat this menace.
“I am delighted to be here today on this important occasion of the public destruction of 25 tons of assorted illicit drugs seized by the Kogi State command of NDLEA. This staggering volume of 25,000 kilograms of illicit substances is capable of further heightening the security situation in the country and Kogi State in particular if allowed to circulate,” he said.
He said, the sheer bulk of the drugs that will be destroyed is a reminder to everyone about the magnitude of the drug problem in the country. Adding that the statistics from the National Drug Use Survey (2018), gives insights into this.
According to him, just two of the facts are enough to cause a sober reflection. He noted that 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64 years, are abusing drugs.
He stressed that 10.6 million of the nation’s compatriots abuse cannabis, which makes Nigeria one of the countries with the highest number of people abusing the psychotropic plant adding that the statistics are worrisome when you look beyond the figures to their health and security implications.
He highlighted the breakdown of the drugs for destruction shows: Cannabis Sativa -20,000.316kg; Tramadol – 476.864kg; Rohypnol-13.046kg; Diazepam151.319kg; Exol-5 – 648.683kg; Pentazocine injection – 361.650kg; Cocaine -1.888kg; Codeine based syrup – 2393.944kg; MDMA -0.305kg; Diazepam injection – 1.100kg; Tramadol injection – 2.800kg; Methamphetamine – 34.208kg; Heroin – 0.215kg; Morphine1.700kg; Ketamine – 3.600kg; Cocodamol – 1.300kg; Midazolam – 3.700kg; and Akuskura (NPS) – 1,132.600kg. This brings the total to 25,229.238kg.
Thr Agency, he said, will continue to engage all the critical stakeholders—including the traditional and religious institutions, community-based groups, the civil society, youth groups, gender based organisations, law enforcement agencies, governmental organizations, the criminal justice system and international collaborators, among others.
He said the Governor have helped the Command in refurbishing four vehicles, and procurement of other vehicles in tackling drug traffickers.
The Zonal Commander of NDLEA in Minna, commended the Governor for his tireless efforts in combating drug abuse in the state saying the recognition underscores the Governor’s commitment to addressing the scourge of drug use and its far-reaching consequences on individuals, families, and communities.
Commander of Narcotics, U.M. Yahoza, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his tireless efforts to make Kogi State drug-free.
He explained that over 24 vehicles belonging to drug dealers have been forfeited, and various exhibits totaling over 25 tons have been seized.
According to Commander Yahoza, these statistics highlight the magnitude of Kogi State’s drug problem, particularly in regards to smuggling.
To combat this issue, the agency, he stated will continue to fight crime and drug smuggling, and is urging citizens to collaborate by providing information to help tackle drug smugglers adding that the partnership between the government and the community is crucial in the quest to eradicate drug abuse and ensure a safer, healthier environment for all Kogi State residents.
Hon. Treasure Eunice Achimugu, Special Adviser to the Governor on War Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, praised Governor Ododo’s tireless efforts to combat drug cartels and traffickers.
Achimugu noted that the Governor’s dedication to this cause demonstrates his genuine love and concern for the well-being of the people of Kogi State.
