Abia State commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, commander Dogo Aboki Yusuf is calling on the society to care, love and cater for those who have been devastated by hard drugs.
Commander Yusuf made the call as Nigeria joins the globe on Monday, 26th June to mark 2023 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. “When you show them love, you have given them sense of belonging and people should report to NDLEA when they have such people for us to take appropriate action and rehabilitate them”.
Research shows that the world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime recognizes the importance of taking a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has, over the years, been actively involved in launching campaigns to mobilize support for drug control. The UNODC often teams up with other organizations and encourages people in society to actively take part in these campaigns.
Governments, organizations and individuals in many countries, including Vietnam, Borneo and Thailand, have actively participated in promotional events and larger scale activities, such as public rallies and mass media involvement, to promote the awareness of dangers associated with illicit drugs.
The world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
This year 2023 has the theme “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”
The state NDLEA commandant said the theme is encouraging people to care for every individual including those taking hard drugs. Yusuf also encouraged the public not to stigmatize those patronizing hard drugs, but to care and show them love.
The NDLEA boss in Abia State advised relevant stakeholders including the community, families, non governmental organizations, religious bodies and government to assist in keeping the society drug free, in creating awareness, as well as creating employment for the youths.
He therefore advised parents to stop over pampering their children and giving them excess money even when they have no need for that.
“some children when they have excess money with them without having what to do with it, their peer group will lure them to drug taking, so parents should stop over pampering, it is not love”.
Dogo Aboki Yusuf charged parents to be models to their children, while communities should also report drug activity to the nearest NDLEA office for action.
However, it is advisable for all adhere to the aim of this year’s campaign which is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritizing prevention; and leading with compassion.
