President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern on Wednesday regarding the detrimental impact of drug abuse on individuals and families. He emphasized that investing in evidence-based preventive measures is crucial for saving lives and preserving resources that would otherwise be allocated to treatment and rehabilitation.
During his keynote address at the World Drug Day commemoration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” emphasizing the urgent need to dedicate more resources to combat the effects of illicit drug abuse collectively and cohesively.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, praised organizations, communities, and individuals in Nigeria actively involved in preventing drug abuse and mitigating its adverse consequences.
He emphasized the havoc wreaked by illicit drugs on individuals, families, communities, and nations globally, noting the severe socioeconomic and health repercussions that strain healthcare systems and burden governments and people alike.
President Tinubu stressed that in the face of such a significant challenge, prevention stands as the most powerful tool against drug abuse. He highlighted that prevention not only saves lives but also conserves resources that would otherwise be expended on treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
Furthermore, he underscored that investing in prevention is not only a moral obligation but also a practical approach to safeguarding the future. By directing resources towards evidence-based prevention programs, the cycle of drug abuse can be broken, and the youth shielded from succumbing to its dangers.
President Tinubu affirmed his commitment to shielding young people from any threats that could hinder their future prospects. He emphasized the imperative of prioritizing evidence-based prevention strategies, allocating sufficient resources, and fostering partnerships for greater effectiveness in combating drug abuse.
He also assured support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to build on past successes, envisioning a country where every individual can lead a drug-free life, communities flourish, and hope triumphs over despair.
