Kogi state government has reconstituted a 26-member Drug Control Committee with a pledge to stem the rising menace of illicit drugs in the state.
Launching the committee in Lokoja on Thursday, the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to addressing the scourge of drug abuse.
“We all know the effects of hard drugs in our society. The purpose of this committee is to drastically reduce the sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs in Kogi State.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is determined to ensure the state is not a safe haven for drug dealers or users,” she declared.
Dr. Ayoade charged the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) to work as a team and hold regular discussions to achieve its goals, noting that success would lead to a saner and safer society.
The reconstitution of the committee is in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015–2019 to tackle drug abuse and its attendant problems.
The committee draws membership from the NDLEA, Ministry of Health, Education, Information & Communications, Youth and Sports, Women Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, traditional rulers, chairmen of LGAs, youth associations, pharmaceutical bodies, NGOs/CSOs, and faith-based organisations (CAN/JNI).
Responding on behalf of the committee, the NDLEA Kogi Commander, Umar Mustapha Yahuza—who co-chairs the SDCC with the Governor’s Wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo—assured the government of their commitment to work round the clock to meet the objectives of the NDCMP in the state.
He thanked Governor Ododo for bringing the committee to life.
