Oluremi Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), have charged state governments to prioritise the fight against drug abuse to ensure a safe and secure society.
She gave the charge on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care, organised by the NDLEA for spouses of state governors.
In her keynote address at the event, Senator Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Egbetokun, commended Marwa and the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for the initiative.
She said, “I commend the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, under the leadership of His Excellency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (RTD), for organizing this vital training and for your ongoing efforts in combatting drug abuse in Nigeria.
“As mothers, we understand the profound impact that drug abuse can have on our children’s lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to protect, nurture, and guide them toward a future free from the shackles of addiction. As leaders in your respective states, you wield a unique platform to drive meaningful change.
According to her, “The role of Governors’ spouses in combating drug abuse cannot be overstated. Through advocacy, we can ensure access to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction.
“We must recognise that drug abuse is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health crisis that requires a compassionate and multi-faceted response. We must challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction, and foster a culture of empathy, understanding and solidarity towards those struggling with substance use disorders.
On his part, the AGF, Fagbemi, SAN in his remarks, commended the resourcefulness of the NDLEA leadership in utilising the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum to cascade the drug war into the grassroots and the community level.
