The Edo State Government urged stakeholders to join forces in a united effort to combat the escalating menace of drug abuse, misuse, and trafficking of illicit drugs. With an emphasis on strengthening advocacy, the government seeks to address this multifaceted issue through the lens of public health, recognizing it as a broader social problem rather than just a criminal matter.

Tivere Osa-Afe, the representative of the Chairman of the Edo State Drug Control Committee and Commissioner for Health, together with the Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health, spearheaded this call to action. Osa-Afe emphasized the pressing need to confront this issue head-on by mobilizing a collective response from all stakeholders.

Alarming statistics shared by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency revealed the magnitude of the problem. Within the past 17 months, a staggering total of 17,647 drug offenders and 10 barons have been apprehended, with 2,369 individuals already convicted and serving jail time. Additionally, over 11,000 drug users received counseling and treatment during this period.

In addition to mentioning that the committee had established drug-free clubs in more than 45 Edo South secondary schools, she said, “There are plans to expand this to Edo North and Central as well as conduct mass media and social media campaigns.”

She declared, “The committee will bring its causes to public events like schools, health walks, and religious centers.”