The Edo state government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have partnered to sensitize students about drug abuse through the “Governor Monday Okpebholo Anti-Drug Abuse Marathon” initiative.
According to the NDLEA Commander in Edo, Ofoyeju Mitchell, the initiative targets Secondary School students in the three senatorial districts of the State, beginning from the South Senatorial District.
Receiving the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Charity Amayaenvbo, at the Agency, the NDLEA Commander highlighted some challenges in curbing cannabis cultivation and importation in Edo, assuring the Agency’s dedication to tackling drug abuse.
He commended the Commissioner for the timely engagement. While appreciating the governor’s dedication to addressing drug issues in the state, he disclosed that two out of his three requests to the governor have been granted.
In his remarks, Amayaenvbo, stated that the purpose of the visit was to familiarise with the NDLEA’s operations and explore areas of partnership to intensify the fight against drug abuse in the state.
He emphasized the need for a strong collaboration between the Ministry and the Agency to combat drug abuse in line with the governor’s mandate to prioritize proactive and preventive measures over reactive approaches.
The commissioner further asserted his readiness to work with NDLEA to develop strategies that would effectively tackle drug hideouts and areas where drugs are dispensed.
He stressed the importance of rehabilitating and integrating individuals involved in drug abuse back into society, to prevent recidivism and ensure they become productive members of the society again. He also solicited the Agency’s expertise in areas of training and capacity-building to enhance the Ministry’s ability to address drug-related challenges in the State.
