International Day Against Drug Abuse: Abdallah Calls for Collective Action to Break the Cycle of Addiction

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, and has called on parents, schools, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to work together to break the cycle of substance abuse and safeguard the future of young people.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, made the call in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with the theme, “Breaking the Cycle: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All.”

Abdallah described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as serious threats to public health, family stability, community safety and sustainable development, stressing that the growing challenge requires sustained collaboration among government, communities and families.

She cited data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Nigeria’s National Drug Use Survey, which indicate that an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64, representing 14.4 per cent of the population, use psychoactive substances more than twice the global average of 5.6 per cent.

According to the Commissioner, the South-South region, including Edo State, remains among the areas most affected by illicit drug use. She noted that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 462 suspected drug offenders and recovered more than 207,595 kilograms of illicit substances in Edo State in 2025. She added that between January and March 2026 alone, illicit drugs valued at about ₦1.8 billion were intercepted and removed from circulation in the state.

Abdallah warned that beyond the alarming statistics are countless families and communities suffering the devastating consequences of drug addiction, including rising crime, domestic violence, mental health disorders, school dropouts, unemployment, family disintegration and declining productivity.

She expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of young people, noting that substance abuse continues to undermine the dreams, talents and future prospects of many youths.

The Commissioner said that in line with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government has strengthened its response through the establishment of State and Local Government Drug Control Committees to improve prevention, coordination and community-based interventions across the state.

She added that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has intensified programmes aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, including the rehabilitation of mentally challenged persons removed from the streets of Benin City, many of whom were found to be victims of prolonged substance abuse.

According to her, the ministry continues to provide psychosocial support, counselling, rehabilitation and family tracing services to facilitate the recovery, reintegration and restoration of affected individuals.

While urging all residents to play active roles in preventing substance abuse, Abdallah stressed that strong family values, sustained public awareness, early intervention and community support remain essential to winning the fight against illicit drugs.

She maintained that drug abuse is preventable and recovery is possible, expressing confidence that through collective action, Edo State can build healthier communities and create a future filled with hope, dignity and opportunity for all.