Some stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse in Bayelsa State have said the state is winning in the battle against the social menace in the state.

The stakeholders, made up of the officials of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Civil Advocacy and Rights Activists, Pharmacists and women advocacy groups, agreed that the war against drug abuse under Governor Douye Diri has rekindled hope for the youths of the State.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele, described the revolution against drugs as one of the right steps taken by Diri’s administration and that it is anchored on his vision to give youth a new hope and set the pace for societal growth and minimize crime.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee BADAPARC, Dr. Faith Zips-Godwin, noted that the State Committee has closed ranks with other stakeholders to change the Bayelsa Drug Abuse story for the state.

”Our approach is to use four cardinal strategies, the community, faith-based, school and media strategies to combat the scourge of drug misuse and abuse across the state”

She noted that drug abuse results in numerous life-threatening health conditions like liver damage, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and other health conditions, and called for all hands to be on deck to win the war against drug abuse and trafficking.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of the Ekpetiama kingdom, said the illicit drug trafficking business in the world attracts an estimated $300 billion dollars annually, advising the state government to work closely with the security agencies to secure the marine and land borders to checkmate movement of hard drugs into the state.

UNODC Country Representative Dr. Oliver Stolpe described the State as a testament to working the talk against drugs noting that if nothing is done the disease will negatively affect the development of the society closely tied to crimes.

“It is visibly clear and audibly loud enough from the lips of all stakeholders that the reality to achieve a crime and drug-free society, efforts need to be intensified with relevant actors and agencies to prevent drugs supply and abuse which the Bayelsa State Government has championed by taking the bull by the horn as a shining example for other states across the country”.

“As Bayelsa State joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2022 international day against drugs on the theme “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises.” several activities including a road show, symposium and lecture organized to raise awareness of the people and join the train to stand against drug misuse and abuse in the oil-rich state, Bayelsa”.