Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has decried that the menace of drug abuse in the state is not an individual problem but a societal epidemic undermining the very foundation of communities.
The Governor noted this, on Saturday, at a one-day sensitization campaign on the dangers of drug abuse in society to 500 student representatives organized by the Zamfara State Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency in collaboration with the World Health Organization, WHO, in Gusau.
Governor Lawal who was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, added that his administration has taken the fight against drug abuse very seriously and will neither defer it nor fight it passively.
“The impact of drug abuse is felt across generations, decimating human potential, tearing families apart, and compromising the future of our youth.
“This is a battle that demands immediate, decisive, and sustained action and I want to assure you that it is an action we are fully committed to pursuing.
“From the onset of my administration, we recognized the imperative of ensuring that we initiate a mechanism that will checkmate issues bordering on illicit use of drugs, taking into cognizance of its multiplier effect.
“Many of the heinous crimes perpetrated in our societies including banditry have their roots related to substance abuse”, he added.
“This is what has informed our decision to establish a Substance Abuse Control and Prohibition of Human Trafficking Agency; and just recently, I inaugurated an all-encompassing committee Chaired by the First Lady to among others, control and fight the menace of drug abuse and other related social vices head-on in the State”
He also appreciated the World Health Organization, other development partners, security and law enforcement agencies and all other critical stakeholders for their unyielding partnership and continued support for such initiatives, stressing that the state government will continue leveraging on their expertise towards achieving sustainable development in the state.
Presenting a merit award to Governor Lawal, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr Muktar Raji commended Lawal for prioritizing Human Capital development in the state.