War Against Drug Abuse: Delta First Lady Decries Alarming Increase, Calls For Emergency Action

By Anita Olabiyi

Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, has called on relevant stakeholders to put in concerted efforts towards nipping the menace of drug abuse in the state.

This comes on, following increasing reports of cases of drug abuse in the state.

She made the call on Thursday while playing host to officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Delta State chapter, in her office at the Government House, Asaba.

The First Lady noted that drug abuse had been on the rise at a very alarming rate, pointing out the adverse effects it has had on the youth.

“The level of drug abuse we are experiencing in the society is really worrisome and it is gradually but steadily destroying lives.

“It is even more alarming learning that a great number of women are involved in drug and substance abuse, as a means of escaping pressure and emotional stress.

ALSO READ: Olukoyede Cautions Bank Compliance Officers Against Unauthorized Disclosure Of EFCC’s Investigation Activities

“Irrespective of whatever reason for which people engage in it, the truth is that drug abuse is a silent killer and we all need to come together to raise awareness on the realities on ground as well as find ways to combat it’s spread.

“We are gradually losing our children to this menace. You see them on the streets and just at a glance, you can tell that something is wrong, and if we don’t do something about it now, we would have greater challenges to contend with in the nearest future.

“As a state, we will do all we can to see that this is achieved and we are counting on relevant agencies as well as individuals, especially mothers, to rise up to the occasion,” she said.

Mrs. Oborevwori promised to collaborate with the agency in every way possible to see that issues of drug abuse are reduced to the barest minimum in the state.The leader of the delegation, Commander of Narcotics and state commander of the agency, Abubakar Wada, in his address, pointed out some of the things that have led to an increase in the level of drug abuse.

“We have discovered that the availability of these drugs has made them easy to abuse, and as an agency, we have done well to reduce the circulation of these drugs. Between January and April, we recorded 261 pending cases, had 96 record of conviction and pressed 62 charges,”

He noted that unemployment stands tall among the causes of drug abuse in young people, while emphasizing the need for more advocacy and sensitization on the issue.

In a related development, the First Lady also played host to a delegation of the International Fellowship of Gospel Ministers Wives and Female Ministers, Delta State.

She admonished them to be agents of change in the society.

“Be a voice in the society and do the work of God with sincerity of heart because God sees the intents of our hearts and rewards accordingly”, she advised.

The leader of the delegation, Rev Mrs. Victoria Okoh said the group had come to congratulate and identify with her as First Lady of the state.

They commended her works through her pet project and prayed for the success of the government of the day.