UBTH Unveils First Drug Testing Centre in South-South as Ebea, Security Agencies Laud Prof. Ize-Iyamu

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has unveiled the first drug testing centre in a teaching hospital in the South-South geopolitical zone, with the Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Odianosen Ebea, and other security and law enforcement agencies commending the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, for the initiative.

The centre was unveiled in Benin City on Thursday during a stakeholders’ workshop on the screening of alcohol and substance abuse, organised to strengthen collective efforts to tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse in the society.

Ebea, who represented the Edo State Governor at the event, described the establishment of the centre as a significant step towards addressing the impact of substance abuse on public safety, health and community development.

He commended Prof. Ize-Iyamu and the UBTH management for providing leadership in the fight against substance abuse, noting that the initiative would support government’s efforts in prevention, early intervention and the promotion of safer communities.

According to him, substance abuse is increasingly associated with social problems, including violence, crime, road traffic accidents, family breakdown and other forms of insecurity.

Ebea called for greater cooperation among government agencies, health institutions, security and law enforcement agencies, schools, families and other stakeholders to address the root causes and consequences of drug and substance abuse.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu said the establishment of the facility was in response to the growing concern over substance abuse and its devastating consequences on individuals, families and communities.

She noted that the centre would provide professional screening and support early intervention in cases of alcohol and substance abuse, describing its unveiling as another step towards prevention, safer communities and improved health outcomes.

The CMD said substance abuse manifests in various forms, including impaired judgment, road traffic accidents, violence, broken families, poor academic and occupational performance, declining productivity and loss of lives. She disclosed that the centre is equipped to test for substances including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana/cannabis, ethanol, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol and barbiturates.

On his part, the Director, Forensics and DNA Centre, University of Benin, Prof. Eddy Ehikhamenor, linked the rising incidence of domestic violence to substance abuse and called for concerted efforts to address the problem.

The event attracted key stakeholders, including Commander, Narcotics, NDLEA Edo State Command, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, Chief Magistrate, Delta State Judiciary, Mrs. Tegwolo Okungbowa, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Mr. Monday Agbonika, community leaders, motor park leaders,drivers, transport owners amongst others.