Kogi govt launches fresh bid to combat drug abuse with new committee 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Kogi State Government has reconstituted a 26-member State Drug Control Committee to tackle drug abuse and its associated problems in the state.

The committee, launched by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, on Thursday aims to drastically reduce the sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs in Kogi State.

Composition of the Committee was in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015–2019. She said, “We all know the effects of hard drugs in our society. The purpose of this committee is to drastically reduce the sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs in Kogi State.

“Governor Usman Ododo’s administration is determined to ensure the state is not a safe haven for drug dealers or users,” she declared.

The SGS charged the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) to work as a team and hold regular discussions to achieve its goals, noting that success would lead to a saner and safer society.

The committee draws membership from the NDLEA, Ministry of Health, Education, Information & Communications, Youth and Sports, Women Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, traditional rulers, and chairmen of LGAs, youth associations, pharmaceutical bodies, NGOs/CSOs, and faith-based organisations (CAN/JNI).

Responding on behalf of the committee, the NDLEA Kogi Commander, Umar Mustapha Yahuza—who co-chairs the SDCC with the Governor’s Wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo—assured the government of their commitment to work round the clock to meet the objectives of the NDCMP in the state.