Sanwo-Olu’s wife, stakeholders join fight against drug abuse

By Oyebola Owolabi

Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and relevant stakeholders have stressed the need to prioritise the fight against substance abuse to secure the society.

At the maiden stakeholders’ meeting themed ‘Tackling Drug Abuse in Lagos’, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said the meeting with relevant stakeholders, to deliberate on burning issues, became necessary because drug abuse has become an issue that affects ‘our children, youths, men and women of all ages’.

She said: “We are concerned about the alarming rate at which drug abuse has deeply permeated every nook and cranny of our society. Whether we admit it or not, this menace affects everyone directly or indirectly, as it impacts the security and safety of our state and country. This informed our meeting today.

“I believe that when two or more good heads come together to deliberate on critical issues, positive change is inevitable.

“We have rested on our oars for so long, and now is the time to take the bull by the horns. Now is the time to take decisive actions and combine forces to make a positive change in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, as far as drug abuse is concerned.”

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, who said her initiative is based on advocacy and awareness campaign, added: “My office is committed to ensuring that the system is challenged, this we do by bringing relevant stakeholders together, and that is the reason why you’ve been invited here today. Our objective is targeted at ensuring that everyone works towards eradicating this virus that has badly eaten deep into every community, street and family.”

State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abubakar Liman Wali lamented that the percentage of drug abuse in the country was alarming. He blamed the menace on lack of support for children, unemployment, poverty and peer pressure.

Wali who called for collaboration and concerted efforts, said the problem will be better tackled through robust engagement with the victim rather than punishment.