President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (NDLEA Chairman/CEO), and Odunayo Sanya (MTN Foundation Executive Director) have joined forces to combat substance abuse in Nigeria.
They spoke at an Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) conference in Abuja themed, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.
Speakers at the event emphasised the urgent need for global and local commitment to preventive measures in the fight against substance abuse.
Tinubu, represented at the conference by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing drug abuse.
The president emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a drug-free society.
“The fight against drug abuse is not just a governmental responsibility but a collective one. We must all join hands to protect our youth from the scourge of substance abuse,” he stated.
Sanya reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to combating drug abuse through the ASAP initiative.
Marwa called for more substantial investments in preventive measures and early detection. “The Drug Integrity Test initiative aims to establish an anti-drug culture in Nigeria. It targets students, workers, and prospective couples to prevent drug use and enable early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation,” Marwa stated.
A highlight of the conference was the discussion on leveraging community-based approaches to tackle substance abuse. Participants emphasised the importance of grassroots initiatives in creating a sense of ownership and responsibility within local communities. By tailoring interventions to meet specific community needs, these efforts can yield more impactful and sustainable outcomes.
