Drug Abuse: Ekiti Attorney General Urges Collective Action to curb menace

The Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), has called on stakeholders  to intensify efforts toward curbing the menace of drug abuse in the State 

Apata made the call at the BAO for Health Families’ Outreach with the theme, “The Ills of Substance Abuse on Families and Communities,” held on Monday in Efon-Ekiti.

He said the programme, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, was aimed at educating residents and eliminating drug abuse in the state.

The commissioner noted that the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to safeguarding the health of citizens.

He recalled that while working with a federal agency some years ago, a number of candidates he nominated for employment tested positive for drugs, noting that the situation called for sustained awareness and preventive measures

Apata urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, stressing that prevention was better than cure.

In his remarks, Gov. Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, commended the organisers for deploying personal resources to sensitise residents on the dangers of drug abuse.

He urged citizens to support government efforts at making the state free of drug abuse.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Peju Babafemi, appreciated the governor for the opportunity to serve and contribute to community development.

Babafemi, an indigene of the community, urged participants to take advantage of the lectures delivered at the event for positive impact on their lives.

The Ekiti State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Sunday Aina, expressed concern over the rising rate of drug abuse, calling on residents to report offenders to the agency.

He also advocated the establishment of rehabilitation centres to address drug-related cases in the state.

In their separate remarks, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo, said drug abuse among youths had contributed to disqualification in military recruitment exercises.

They noted that this trend placed the state at a disadvantage compared to others.

The Alaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, commended the organisers for bringing the programme to the community and appreciated the governor for appointing indigenes into key positions.

He pledged continued support for the administration.

In separate presentations, Dr Dotun Abioye and Prof. Deji Ajayi of Ekiti State Teaching Hospital warned that drug abuse had severe health implications, including organ damage, cancer and untimely death.

They urged parents, community and religious leaders to be vigilant and report suspicious behaviours linked to drug abuse to appropriate authorities.

Dignitaries at the event included members of the State Executive Council, the Chairman of Efon Local Government, Chief Whip of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Olowookere Bosede, Vice President of Efon Progressive Union, Mr Kola Ajumobi, and other senior government officials.