The Useful Youth Vision Concepts (UYVC), an NGO, has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to enhance its community sensitisation efforts against the use of hard drugs in Ogun.
Its founder, Mrs Adetokunbo Shonibare, made the appeal in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
She spoke against the incidents of road accidents, kidnappings, ritual killings activities, and other security threats in the state.
She attributed a significant portion of these issues to drug consumption.
Shonibare emphasised that the consumption of hard drugs significantly contributes to criminal activities and road accidents within the country.
According to her, the primary aim of UYVC is to combat the proliferation of hard drugs among the youth and the broader society and the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures.
She recommended that the anti-narcotic agency engage in closed-door sessions with community and religious leaders as a strategic approach.
“By initially meeting with community representatives and subsequently with Community Development Area (CDA) chairmen, the NDLEA can effectively communicate the adverse effects of illicit drug consumption on society,” she added.
Shonibare stressed the importance such engagements, noting that they serve to enlighten and mobilise community leaders to actively support the anti-drug campaign.
While commending the efforts of Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa, the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, in combatting drug trafficking.
Shonibare called for the appointment of personnel characterised by integrity to lead various agency sub-committees and that would help in curbing bribery and corruption within the agency’s operations.
Established in 2010, UYVC addresses drug-related issues and create a drug-free environment. (NAN)
