Edo Speaker Urges Tinubu to Declare State of Emergency on Drug Abuse
Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. Agbebaku made the call at a rally in Benin, marking the International Day against Drug Abuse, organized by Smile Africa International Youth Initiative.
The speaker expressed concern about the drug abuse pandemic and its impact on the health of Nigerian youths. He emphasized that a state of emergency is necessary to tackle the menace, which he described as a multifaceted challenge affecting millions of people.
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Agbebaku listed problems associated with drug abuse, including substance use disorders, drug trafficking, and related crimes. He noted that despite passed resolutions, drug abuse continues to destroy communities, and drugs are being sold freely in certain locations.
The speaker urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency to effectively address the situation. He assured that the house will support sustained enlightenment campaigns against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Purpose Iserhienrhien, executive director of Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative, also called for collective action to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, emphasizing its threat to the health, safety, and prosperity of the population.
The speaker urged the state government to invest in prevention programs to address drug abuse challenges, stressing that rehabilitation often fails to solve the problem, and prevention is key to protecting Nigerian youths.
