The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) expressed worry over the active involvement of women and children in drug abuse in Nigeria.

Mr Muhammad Idris, the NDLEA Zonal Commander, Sokoto, made this known during a drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Senate Committee on Drug and Narcotics in Sokoto.

According to Idris, the active involvement of women and children in drug abuse has become a great problem in society.

” We need a number of education and awareness campaigns to discourage initial use and strengthen resistance against drug abuse.

“Therefore, I call on parents to check their wards from being indoctrinated by the corrupt minds into drug use, cultism, banditry and other vices.

“Moreover, there should be deliberate and sustained efforts at educating the younger generation on drug use prevention, which I believe is one of the key issues the current programme is addressing,” he said.

The Zonal Commander said the NDLEA is ready and willing to collaborate with the relevant agencies and other stakeholders.

“This is to support our commitment to fight the menace of drug abuse, especially how it affects our youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

In his address, Mr Kenneth Anetor, President and co-founder of A New Thing International Foundation said drug abuse had become a global phenomenon with catastrophic consequences.

According to him, examples of drug abuse are as numerous as the obvious consequences which are seen in society.

“The drug abusers, who eventually become drug addicts, will always feed their needs for illicit drugs and when the money is not available they become a danger to themselves and the society at large,” he said.

Also speaking, Umar Attahiru, while presenting his paper, titled; “Drug Abuse and Education never Mix,” said NDLEA needs to strengthen drug-free clubs in secondary schools.

“There is a need for parents and teachers to avoid abusing drugs and serve as role models and mentors of youths and students under their care.

“Moreover, the government needs to revive and strengthen drug abuse committees’ to enlighten the general public on dangers of drug abuse, addiction and trafficking,” he said.

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Bello Gwaiwa, commended the organisers of the programme.

Gwaiwa assured that the state government will enhance more partnership with the support of NDLEA to fight all forms of drug abuse among the society.

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The highlight of the event was the presentation of the award by NDLEA to Malam Isah Garba, Clerk, Senate Committee on Drug and Narcotics, and Malam Abdurrazak Shehu, Clerk, Sokoto State House of Assembly.

Others are Umar Attahiru and Malam Bashir Ahmad, an Islamic Scholar, while Secondary School students were presented with certificates of attendance