Abuja: Edo Government has called for collective action against drug abuse and trafficking in the state, with a renewed focus on public education, prevention, and community rehabilitation. Mr. Andrew Oghenovo, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking Control, made the call during an anti-drug abuse rally in Benin.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the rally featured participation from NDLEA personnel, other security agencies, students of the University of Benin, and civil society groups. The campaign, which kicked off from King's Square at the popular Ring Road, passed through the Edo House of Assembly and Oba Market, terminating at the Benin Central Motor Park at Obakhavbaye area in the city.
Addressing commuters, traders, and passersby during the rally, Oghenovo stated that the state government had invested in the prevention of drug abuse as part of its strategic response to the growing menace. He announced that the governor has promised to build a rehabilitation center where affected individuals can seek help and learn various skills such as tailoring and barbering.
Oghenovo emphasized the state's commitment to reintegration and skill-building for affected individuals, stating, "We'll train you, set you up, make you become useful to society and your family."
At the Edo House of Assembly, NDLEA Edo Commander, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, highlighted that the rally was to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Ofoyeju reiterated the importance of prevention, aligning with the year's global theme: 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.' He emphasized that the war against drugs also involves public enlightenment and campaigns to educate people on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
Ofoyeju asserted that drug control is at the center of crime control, linking it to key issues such as kidnapping and cultism. He assured lawmakers of ongoing efforts to sanitize areas troubled by drug activity, specifically mentioning Ihama Road and reporting the prosecution of two individuals as part of these efforts.
Responding to the campaign, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, pledged legislative support for the anti-drug efforts and condemned the rising presence of open drug dens in the state capital. He commended the rally's initiative to raise public awareness about the effects of drugs, stressing the importance of collective action.
Agbebaku revealed that the House had already passed a law against drug abuse, underlining the potential of drugs to destroy lives. He expressed concern over the drug trade around Ihama Road, describing it as a significant issue and highlighting alleged complicity among some security personnel involved in the drug trade.