By Yesirat Abiola
The Lagos State Government has called on relevant stakeholders to ensure real fact sharing on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking as well as evidence based prevention, treatment and care resources available to citizens.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye made the call during the Lagos State Inter-ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee Awareness Walk to Commemorate Year 2022 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at Alausa-Ikeja.
Dr.Ogboye said who noted that the essence of the program was part of governmen’s efforts to address drug challenges confronting the world, explained that fact sharing about drug situations amongst citizens especially youths and young adults help would address drug abuse and illicit trafficking challenges and create a society that is free of drug abuse.
Dr. Ogboye who was represented by Director Pharmaceutical Services who also doubles as the Chairman, Lagos State Inter-ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee, Oyebisi Omolanbe said that fact sharing on the drug situation is the responsibility of all stakeholders and citizens, if the state must achieve the goal of a world free of drug abuse.
According to the Permanent, the theme for this year’s World Drug Day: “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises” is well thought out to address the drug abuse challenges around the world particularly with regards to the recent health and humanitarian crises plaguing the world.
He noted that persons affected by health or humanitarian crises are vulnerable to drug abuse or substance use disorders, while stressing the need to guide people against the use of drugs as a coping mechanism.
While reiterating the State Government’s commitment to fight against drug and substance abuse and illicit trafficking, Dr. Ogboye noted that the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee and the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry of Health will not relent in carrying out the mandate of a drug abuse free Lagos.
He added that the State Government prioritizes prevention through education and enlightenment as a strategy in the fight against drug abuse.
