Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has called for effective collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address drug abuse and its devastating consequences.
Farouq, represented by Mr Mansur Kuliya, Acting Director, Department of Social Development in the ministry, made the call at the Awareness Campaign against Drug and Substances Abuse and Illicit trafficking on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, with the theme “Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives’’, is organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
She said that the ministry had the mandate to develop humanitarian policies and provide effective coordination of national and international intervention.
“The ministry initiated the campaign in 2020 in response to the rising number of drug abusers, especially among our young generation in order to curb this menace and its effect on future leaders.
”However, the fight against drug abuse cannot work if it is not done collectively and universally, as we all have roles to play.
“However, the fight against drug abuse cannot be successful unless it is done collectively and universally, as we all have roles to play.”
“Parents, guardians, village heads, the government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations all play a role in preventing addiction and drug abuse in our children.” “How can we do it if we don’t listen and care?” she wondered.
According to the minister, it began with the family unit and progressed to schools, churches, mosques, and workplaces.
“It’s not just about sending messages; it’s about how we listen, give advice, counsel, and monitor the children, their friends, and their peers.”
“Drug use among our youth is becoming a social norm, as you can easily find them smoking cigarettes, Shisha, Methamphetamine or crystal meth, codeine, and other drugs, and even posting on social media.”
“The question then becomes, how do we counteract this norm?” “This is where our schools and society can play a critical role in effective prevention by supporting norms that have a positive influence on the choices young people face,” Farouq said.
Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), also spoke, stating that human and drug trafficking are organized crimes.
Mrs Helen Emuze, a NAPTIP staff member, represented Waziri-Azi.
“A human trafficking victim can also be used for drug trafficking.” After drug trafficking and arms smuggling, human trafficking is ranked as the third most lucrative job.
“Drug trafficking and consumption are both extremely dangerous. It has a devastating impact on victims and their families.
“I want to believe that because we are here for this awareness program, we will return with positive messages,” she said.
Officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant stakeholders attended the event.