Bayelsa is winning the war against drug abuse, plan to rehabilitation victims- Stakeholders

Stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse in Bayelsa State have declared themselves winners in the battle against rising cases of drug abuse in the state, commending the State Government of the plan to build a drug victim rehabilitation centre in Yenagoa, the State capital.

The stakeholders, made up of the officials of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Civil Advocacy and Rights Activists, Pharmacists and women advocacy groups, agreed that the war against drug abuse under the administration of Gov. Douye Diri has rekindled hope for the youths of the State/

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele  described the revolution against drugs as one of the right steps taking by the Sen Douye Diri’s administration and that it is anchored on his vision to give youth a new hope and set the pace for societal growth and minimize crime.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the committee on Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee BADAPARC. Pharm. Dr. Faith Zips-Godwin, noted that the State Committee has close ranks with other stakeholders to change the Bayelsa Drug Abuse story for the state, “our approach is to use four cardinal strategies, the community, faith based, school and media strategies to combat the scourge of drug misuse and abuse across the state”

She noted that drug abuse results in numerous life-threatening health conditions like liver damage, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and other health conditions, and called for all hands to be on deck to win the war against drug abuse and trafficking.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of the Ekpetiama kingdom, said  the illicit drug trafficking business in the world attracts an estimated $300 billion dollars annually, advising the state government to work closely with the security agencies to secure the marine and land borders to checkmate movement of hard drugs into the state.

NAIJA LIVE TV however gathered that the Bayelsa State Government is rated high in the area of the battles against drug abuse with its to several international programmes, Organizations and top Personnel across the world including the UNODC to raise their voice against drug abuse as well as training of 124 teachers on drug abuse prevention tagged, ” Unplugged Drug Abuse Prevention programme for secondary schools in Bayelsa State.

UNODC Country Representative Dr. Oliver Stolpe described the State as a testament for working the talk against drugs noting that if nothing is done the disease will negatively affect the development of the society closely tied to crime which the international community is monitoring never to allow this time bomb detonates.

“It is visibly clear and audibly loud enough from the lips of all stakeholders that the reality to achieve a crime and drug free society, efforts needs to be intensified with relevant actors and agencies to prevent drugs supply and abuse which the Bayelsa State Government has championed by taking the bull by the horn as shining example for other States across the country”.

“As Bayelsa State joins the rest of the World to celebrate the 2022 international day against drug’s on the theme “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises.” several activities including road show, symposium and lecture was organized to raise the awareness of the people and join the train to stand against drug misuse and abuse in the oil rich State, Bayelsa”.

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