The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says no fewer than one million people in Oyo State are involved in illicit drug consumption.
The NDLEA State Commander, Olayinka Joe-Fadile, disclosed this on Wednesday during a campaign rally against drug abuse in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was organised by the NDLEA Command, in collaboration with Rep. Abass Adigun, a member of the House of Representatives for Ibadan South East/North East Constituency.
Joe-Fadile noted that the state, like the rest of Nigeria, was grappling with high drug usage, and the NDLEA was making frantic efforts to curb drug abuse and rehabilitate those affected.
According to him, NDLEA operates a functional rehabilitation center in Ibadan, staffed with trained personnel, while another center has recently been established in Iseyin, which will serve the southwest states.
“The rehabilitation center is available for those willing to recover.
“Within three to four months, the majority of those who undergo rehabilitation stay off drugs permanently, although a few may relapse,” he said.
The commander emphasised that the NDLEA was intensifying efforts to combat illicit drug consumption in the state, aiming to eradicate drug abuse or reduce it to the barest minimum shortly.
However, Joe-Fadile lamented the lack of support from state and local governments, stating that many perceived the NDLEA’s work as solely a Federal Government responsibility.
“The NDLEA personnel are here to clean up Oyo State of drug abuse. It would be greatly beneficial to have the support of the state and local governments to help us carry out our duties effectively,” he added.
He further warned individuals involved in illicit drug consumption to desist “as drug abuse damages internal organs, affects the brain, and can eventually lead to death.”
In his remarks, Rep. Adigun, who serves as the Chairman, House Committee on Narcotics, said that the campaign would help sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse.
He identified various factors responsible for rising drug consumption among youths, particularly unemployment, and noted that 60 percent of Nigeria’s insecurity issues were linked to drug abuse.
Adigun advocated for increased funding for the NDLEA and the recruitment of more personnel to enhance the agency’s effectiveness.
“Tackling drug abuse is a collective responsibility. As part of my contribution, I decided to support the NDLEA’s campaign to help reduce drug abuse in Oyo State,” he said.
