President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all Nigerians to join forces in the battle against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while promising increased backing for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This declaration came during his address as the Special Guest of Honour at the World Drug Day event in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu emphasized the theme "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention." He urged citizens to support the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, launched by NDLEA three years ago.
"I implore everyone to intensify their efforts in combating drug abuse and trafficking in our nation," Tinubu stated. "Let me assure you of this administration's unwavering support. Our Renewed Hope Agenda places youth at its core, and we are committed to shielding our young people from anything that could jeopardize their future or stifle their potential."
The President highlighted the devastating impact of illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities, and nations worldwide. He stressed that prevention is the most effective strategy in this fight, not only saving lives but also conserving resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.
"Investing in prevention is not just a moral imperative; it's a prudent approach to safeguarding our future," Tinubu explained. He called for the allocation of resources towards evidence-based prevention programs to break the cycle of drug abuse and protect the youth.
Tinubu pledged to support NDLEA in building upon its recent successes and committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to improve Nigeria's statistics in the next national drug use survey.
The President concluded by calling for a united front in this "noble cause," describing it as a patriotic duty for all citizens, including religious and traditional leaders, educational institutions, opinion leaders, and civil society organizations. He praised NDLEA's WADA initiative as a robust platform for cooperation in this crucial fight against drug abuse and trafficking.