Temitope Felix, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a week-long campaign to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, with a focus on drug demand reduction. The agency's Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized the importance of prevention in curbing drug abuse, citing the theme "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention".
Marwa highlighted the success of the agency's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) program, which has been effective in advocating for social action and public engagement against illicit trafficking and abuse. He noted that prevention is a priority area for the agency, and that investments have been made in prevention through various means over the past three years.
The week-long activities include a Juma'at service, a walk against drugs, a thanksgiving church service, an essay competition, and a program for out-of-school youths. The events aim to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote prevention as a crucial aspect of addressing the menace.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Danilo Campisi, emphasized the need for Nigeria to invest in drug use preventive measures to avoid a projected 40% rise in drug users by 2030. He highlighted the success of evidence-based prevention programs like UNPLUGGED, a school-based drug prevention program implemented in unity schools and some states.
The NDLEA's drug demand reduction efforts align with the global call to action to address the drug problem, and the agency's commitment to prevention is crucial in curbing drug abuse in Nigeria.
