The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has emphasized that the fight against illicit drug consumption in Nigeria requires more than just law enforcement. She stressed the need for empathy, education, and the empowerment of individuals struggling with addiction.
Dr. Oyebanji made this known during the commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Day in Ekiti State. The event, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Cycle,” drew attention to the urgent need for preventive strategies in addressing drug abuse.
Represented by the Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, Dr. Oyebanji reiterated the state government’s commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of drug-dependent individuals.
She noted that her office was particularly proud of the partnership with the NDLEA in the previous year, which saw the provision of logistics, welfare packages, and engagement with key stakeholders. She reaffirmed her continued support in amplifying drug abuse awareness especially among young people, parents, and educators.
“Let us all unite to create a drug-free Ekiti, a future where our youths channel their energy into creativity, innovation, and nation-building. We can win this war together through love, support, and shared responsibility,” she said.
Dr. Oyebanji described drug abuse as a menace that destroys lives, breaks families, and jeopardizes the future of the youth, urging individuals to shun it.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ekiti State, Mr. Sunday Aina, noted that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. According to him, rehabilitating a drug addict can cost millions of naira, making public sensitization an essential tool in curbing the spread of drug abuse.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Omotayo Olatilu, alongside the representative of the Ekiti State Police Command, DC Edwin Igoche, highlighted the link between drug use and crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and rape.
In his lecture, guest speaker and pharmacist, Afeez Oyetola, emphasized that drug addiction often leads to chronic health conditions and terminal illnesses, stressing that prevention remains the most effective approach to tackling the problem.
The event was well-attended by various groups including National Youth Service Corps members, secondary school students, drivers’ unions, and motorcycle riders’ associations.