By Monday Ajogun
The Edo government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking through sustained awareness campaigns, prevention programmes, and community engagement initiatives aimed at building a drug-free society.
Mrs Edesili Anani, the Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, while speaking at a news conference in Benin on Monday, highlighted government’s efforts in strengthening measures against illicit drug trafficking across the state.
Anani, who is also the Coordinator, Office of the wife of Edo governor, gave the 2026 theme to be: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses”.
According to her, this underscores the need for governments, institutions, stakeholders, and communities to collaborate in addressing the evolving challenges of substance abuse and drug-related crimes.
She identified poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, and social inequality as major factors contributing to drug abuse and trafficking.
Anani stressed the importance of addressing the root causes through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and social support programmes.
The chairperson expressed concerns over the emergence of new psychoactive substances and called for innovative approaches that combined law enforcement efforts with education, public awareness, and community participation.
She further urged parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public to join hands in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing substance abuse among young people.
Anani disclosed that the state has lined up a series of activities, including public awareness campaigns, school sensitisation programmes, and community outreach initiatives to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse.
Also speaking, Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo S Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, described substance abuse as a major public health challenge with significant social and economic consequences.
Ofoyeju stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns and behavioural change initiatives to reduce demand for illicit substances.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, assured of the ministry’s commitment to strengthening mental health services, expanding rehabilitation programmes.
Oshiomhole noted that they were implementing evidence based interventions to reduce substance abuse and improve public health outcomes across state.
(NAN)
