PRESS RELEASE
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade has commended the establishment of Katsina State Council Committee for the fight against Drug Abuse amongst Youths and the proposed construction of a Rehabilitation Centre by the Katsina State Government. Giade gave the commendation during the public destruction of forfeited drug exhibits in Katsina weighing 6,795.213kg with an estimated street value of 120 million naira.
“The establishment of the Committee to fight against drugs is highly commendable. Drawing members of the Committee from government ministries and security agencies has also contributed to the success of the fight against drugs in the State. I hope to be personally present at the Foundation laying ceremony of the proposed Rehabilitation Centre which will take care of the needs of persons having challenges of drug addiction” Giade stated.
According to the NDLEA boss who was represented by the Agency’s director of prosecution and legal services, Mr. Sunday Joseph Nbona, the Agency is encouraged by the huge support of the State government and other stakeholders in drug control. The total weight of the destroyed drug is 6,795.213kg. This is made up of Cannabis Sativa which is commonly referred to as Hemp with a weight of 5,878.990kg and psychoactive substances that weighed 916.223kg.
Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema said that the State is prepared to strengthen its partnership with the NDLEA to prevent its youths from addiction to illicit drugs. In the words of the governor who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Munir Talba, “the problem of insecurity cannot be effectively tackled without addressing the problem of drug abuse. Katsina State shall continue to collaborate with the NDLEA. Let me also use this opportunity to charge parents to teach their children to make healthy choices and shun drug trafficking”.
NDLEA Katsina State Commander, Hajia Maryam Gambo Sani in her welcome address promised to sustain the command’s grass root enlightenment campaign programme. “The command will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Information in sensitizing members of the public particularly the youths on the devastating effects of drugs. Let me appeal to those who already have drug abuse problem to take advantage of our free counseling services in the State” she stated.
The Chairman Katsina State Inter-Faith Committee, retired Justice Isa Dodo pledged the support of the judiciary towards the eradication of narcotic drugs in the State. He emphasized the importance of community participation in drug control activities and charged the NDLEA not to relent in the anti-drug trafficking campaign.
Giade in his remarks listed some negative effects of drugs which include brain damage, addiction, crime and terrorism. “Narcotic drugs are powerful habit forming substances that affect the brain leading to dependence. It jeopardizes the cultural, political and socio-economic life of a people. Drug use decreases ethical and personal values. It increases domestic violence, loss of jobs, violence and criminality. Some people commit crimes in search of money to sustain their drug supply while others kill and terrorize innocent citizens under the influence of drugs” he stated.
He promised to break the vicious cycle of drugs and crime through public burning of illicit drugs, anti-drug abuse education and forfeiture of illicit drug proceeds.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
