In a collective effort to address the growing drug abuse crisis in Oyo State, key stakeholders gathered today for the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) seminar at the Civic Center, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. The seminar, organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and supported by Hon. Abass Agboworin, Federal Representative for Ibadan NorthEast/SouthEast Federal Constituency, aimed to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and promote a culture of prevention.
Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Oyo State, delivered a powerful call to action during the seminar. She urged all relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, religious bodies, youth leaders, and market associations, to work together in the fight against drug abuse. “The war against drug abuse is a collective responsibility,” Dr. Afolayan stressed. “We need to unite in our efforts to combat this issue, as many crimes are committed under the influence of drugs.”
The seminar was an important platform for dialogue, with Dr. Afolayan emphasizing that the role of the government alone is insufficient in addressing the growing menace. “This is not just the responsibility of the government or law enforcement; it involves all of us—community leaders, families, religious institutions, and youth organizations,” she said.
Hon. Abass Agboworin, the Federal Representative for Ibadan NorthEast/SouthEast Federal Constituency, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of public education and awareness campaigns in combating drug abuse. Agboworin reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at reducing drug-related issues and ensuring a safer environment for the people of Oyo State.
Tirimisiyu Suleiman, one of the key speakers at the seminar, shared alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of drug abuse in Nigeria. He highlighted the significant social and psychological consequences of addiction, pointing out that drug abuse contributes to job loss, family breakdown, and even the spread of HIV/AIDS. Suleiman also warned of the connection between drug abuse and terrorism, stressing the need for the public to avoid using non-medically prescribed drugs.
In addition to the insightful discussions, the seminar was attended by a range of distinguished dignitaries, including Barrister Bayo Lawal, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State. Lawal reiterated the state government’s support for the fight against drug abuse and emphasized the importance of creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous society for all. “Our commitment to tackling this issue is unwavering, and we will continue to support initiatives that seek to eliminate drug abuse from our communities,” Lawal declared.
Other prominent attendees included Hon. Muhammad Fadeyi, Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, various political officeholders, council chairmen, market leaders, and members of the NDLEA. Their participation further reinforced the broad-based support for combating drug abuse across all sectors of Oyo State society.
Throughout the seminar, it became clear that the solution to the drug abuse crisis in Oyo State requires a multi-faceted approach, involving not only government bodies but also local communities and organizations. Stakeholders agreed that continued collaboration and sustained efforts would be crucial in reducing the rate of drug abuse and its harmful effects on society.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to action, as participants pledged to continue raising awareness and working together to combat drug abuse in their communities. It was a significant step toward fostering a collective approach to tackling one of the most pressing issues facing the state.
Isiaka Kehinde, Head of Media and Communications at the NOA in Oyo State, made the information available to the press, ensuring that the message of the seminar would reach a wider audience. The hope is that the collective efforts and insights shared at the seminar will inspire further action and create meaningful change in Oyo State’s ongoing fight against drug abuse.