NDLEA’s DPTC Training for Governors’ Spouses Takes Centre Stage
ABUJA, FCT – During a groundbreaking two-day training session hosted by the agency, key stakeholders, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and NDLEA’s CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), urged state governments to prioritize the fight against substance abuse in their strategic work plans.
At a workshop for state governors’ wives on Drug Prevention Treatment and Care (DPTC) on Monday, February 12, 2024, in Abuja, a call to action was made.The Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum and NDLEA were commended for their initiative by the special guest of honour, Senator Tinubu, who also emphasised the importance of working together to combat the drug epidemic.
Senator Tinubu encouraged those present to use their positions of leadership in their states to advocate for policies that would guarantee access to services for treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. She stressed in her keynote speech that drug abuse is a public health emergency that calls for a humane and comprehensive response, rather than just being a law enforcement problem.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, praised the NDLEA’s leadership for employing the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum to bring the drug war down to a local and grassroots level. While acknowledging the widespread prevalence of drug use in the country, he emphasised the vital role that attendees have in influencing community policies and practices.
Brig. Gen. Marwa, in his remarks, emphasized the whole-of-society approach to curb the devastating effects of substance abuse on public health and its connection to the spate of insecurity in the country. He urged governors’ wives to leverage their positions to mobilize support for drug prevention and treatment.
As part of NDLEA’s efforts to curb illicit drug cultivation, Marwa announced the adoption of an alternative development plan to encourage cannabis farmers to switch to other licit crops. He called on governors’ spouses to support this initiative and emphasized the collaborative efforts needed to triumph over the illicit drug challenge.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and other international organizations also stressed the pivotal role of first ladies in combating substance abuse, promising collaboration in the fight against drug abuse among students.
The appeal to action strikes a chord as a group effort to combat drug abuse and promote a better and healthier future for future generations. The training is an essential first step in putting knowledge into practice and building safer, healthier communities across the country.
