Drug abuse among youths worrisome, says Lagos gov’s wife

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has expressed worry over drug addiction, especially among youths, saying society must rise to tackle the menace.

The Lagos First Lady, who said this on Wednesday during a strategic meeting at the Lagos House, Ikeja, with officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other stakeholders, pledged to work with NDLEA and others to reinvigorate the war against drug abuse especially in schools and in communities across the state.

Others at the event were the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, senior officials of the Ministries of Education, Health, Youths and Social Development, wives of Local Government Chairmen, members of the Police Officers Wives Association, school principals, market women and the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Gbenga Owoeye.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu said, “The earlier we begin to tackle the daunting challenge, the better for our youths, ourselves, and the social health of our society. This strategic meeting is aimed at putting the menace of drug abuse and associated social vices on the front burner.

“We are truly and deeply concerned about the increase in the rate at which the younger ones are now getting addicted to illicit drugs, a development that brought about the need for all relevant stakeholders to embark on a campaign to fight the menace and enlighten victims on the dangers inherent in such lifestyle both now and in the future.”

On his part, Commander of NDLEA, Lagos State Command, Callys Alumona, said something urgent must be done to prevent the state from becoming a gateway for illicit and dangerous drugs.