*** Marwa says stigmatisation impedes drug addicts rehabilitation process
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday made a case for increased and continued education of Nigerians, especially the younger generation and other vulnerable, on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to stop stigma and discrimination against addicts.
Tinubu made this case at the 2023 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the event, which was themed ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention’.
According to Tinubu: “We must empower our youths with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives and provide them with the resources they need to avoid falling victims to drug abuse.
“We must also support those who are struggling with drug addiction and provide them with treatment and the necessary support they need to overcome their addiction. In the face of these challenges, it is imperative that we adopt a people centred approach that focuses on prevention and treatment as key pillars of our response”.
The President also hailed the achievements of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) under the able leadership of General Buba Marwa, at curbing the menace of illicit drug use and trafficking in the country.
Said he: “Of special mention are the notable achievements of the NDLEA officers and men who have continued to show valour and demonstrate vigour in drug law enforcement. The news of the onslaught by NDLEA on drug traffickers is commonplace.
“I commend the officers and men of the agency for the freshness injected into our drug control efforts and show of rare sense of purpose.”
The Nigerian leader restated the current administration’s support for the NDLEA in order to achieve more.
“I hereby reiterate this administration’s unwavering support to NDLEA for the sustenance of drug control efforts in the country and their patriotic efforts to keep the country safe,” he added.
He said the Nigerian government is poised to tackle drug menace and its associated consequences. He therefore implored a strong collaboration with State governments, International and Civil Society Organizations and all stakeholders to tame the monster.
President Tinubu used the occasion to appreciate Nigeria’s Development Partners for their continuous support to Nigeria in the area of drugs control.
“I recommend that everyone should redouble efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country. We appreciate and acknowledge our local and international partners, especially the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.
“We also appreciate the European Union for funding the project: ‘Response Drug and Related Organized Crime in Nigeria’ under its 10th European Development Fund. That remains a shining example of developmental partners who have keyed into the Nigerian government’s effort to ensure Nigeria is free from drug trafficking and organized crime,” said the President.
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas stressed the need for collaborative action to combat drug-related challenges and promote a drug-free world.
Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, called for sustained efforts beyond the event, urging society to provide support and encouragement to those battling drug addiction.
Citing the global impact of drug abuse, the Speaker referred to the 2022 World Drug Report, which revealed a significant increase in drug use worldwide. Particularly concerning was the higher prevalence of drug use among young people in Nigeria and many other countries.
The Speaker emphasised the immense burden drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking pose to society, with criminal offenses such as robbery and sexual abuse directly linked to drug abuse.
In a call to action, the Speaker urged the NDLEA, the police, and other stakeholders to allocate more resources to sensitisation programs aimed at raising awareness, particularly in schools and rural communities across the nation.
He proposed the appointment and training of volunteers in all political wards to support the campaign against drug abuse.
Emphasising the National Assembly’s commitment, the Speaker pledged to support social investment programs and economic policies that provide gainful opportunities for Nigerians, especially vulnerable youth.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), warned citizens against stigmatisation of people dealing with drug abuse and addiction, saying such behaviours could impede the rehabilitation of victims.
According to Marwa, victims of drug abuse and addiction, instead of being stigmatized, deserve society’s empathy and support, noting they are also human beings with inherent dignity.
He said such persons deserve the understanding of the rest of society to embolden them to seek help and access to recovery support systems.
The NDLEA chief said by focusing on people first, stakeholders can recognise that individuals struggling with drug abuse are not defined solely by their addiction.
“They are human beings with inherent dignity, deserving of understanding, empathy, and support… Our prejudices hinder their access to healthcare, employment and social support systems.
“They are human beings with inherent dignity, deserving of understanding, empathy, and support.
“Hence, we must work to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help and foster an environment where they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to access the necessary treatments and interventions,” he said.
Marwa explained that a crucial part of this assignment is addressing stigma and discrimination in attitudes and practices that create additional hurdles for those seeking assistance.
“By raising awareness, educating communities, and promoting acceptance, we can challenge these harmful stereotypes and foster a society that embraces individuals on their path to recovery,” he said.
Meanwhile, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, said the event is significant to Nigeria in view of the current statistics from the United Nations, the nation is experiencing high rate of insecurity which has been linked to drug abuse.
The Solicitor General said NDLEA has continued to develop various policies to deal with this menace.
Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal Government has increased operation and logistics support to NDLEA.
The Guest Lecturer at the event, Dokun Adedeji, said users of drugs are not necessarily criminals, just as criminals do not need drugs to commit crime.
Adedeji said all these people who use drugs are mere victims of the failure of the society.
“We have to show compassion and sympathy to the victims of drug abuse. We need more people to speak about their harrowing experience”, he said.
NDLEA alone as an agency of government cannot do it, hence the need to support the fight and with a collective effort to curtail drug abuse.
The event also featured presentation of prizes to the winners of inter- Secondary Schools Quiz competition, who received N200,000, N300,000 and N500,000 cash prizes respectively.
Also present at the event were the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Oliver Stolpe; Representative of the Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro; and Former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonnaya Onovo.
