The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drugs trafficking in Nigeria.
Agbebaku made the call in Benin while addressing a rally organized by Smile Africa International Youth Initiative, an NGO, to mark the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse.
“I am sad and concerned about the drug abuse pandemic the country is grappling with; and we should be passionate about the health of our youths,” he said.
Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko, the Speaker said a state of emergency was the only solution towards tackling the menace, stressing that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking were the bane of criminality in the state and nation at large.
He described drug traffickers as the worst criminals that should not be tolerated in any community that wants to make progress.
Agbebaku pointed out that hard drugs present multifaceted challenges that touch the lives of millions of people, adding that the impact of drug abuse is far-reaching and complex.
The Speaker listed some of the problems associated with drug abuse to include individuals struggling with substance use disorders and struggle with consequences of drug trafficking and crimes.
“If you have been following the house activities, you would know that the house has passed several resolutions on the need to prevent drug abuse and trafficking.
“Today, we are sad that drugs are destroying communities in the country and everyone is pretending not to see it.
“Drugs are now being sold freely in certain locations in the state and yet not much is being done to check the menace,’’ he said.
