The Ogun government has called for intensified sensitisation against drug abuse as it joined the global community to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kayode Oladehinde, made the call during a sensitisation walk organised in Abeokuta on Friday to commemorate the occasion.

Mr Oladehinde said the event offered an opportunity to assess progress made and identify areas requiring greater attention in combating drug abuse.

He noted that drug abuse affects people of different ages, including older persons who developed the habit during their youthful years.

The permanent secretary urged stakeholders to strengthen awareness campaigns in motor parks, markets and other public places to curb the menace.

According to him, the state government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intensified efforts to reduce both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs.

Mr Oladehinde said the ministry’s drug control unit had established drug-free clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions across the state.

He added that the government has continued to support the clubs to help young people avoid drug abuse at an early stage.

Also speaking, the director of pharmaceutical services, Olalekan Olarinde, urged the public to regard drug users as persons needing help rather than criminals.

Mr Olarinde said the state now has a rehabilitation centre in Sagamu, alongside the existing facility at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting rehabilitation programmes and preventing relapse among recovered drug users. 

(NAN)