Tinubu, Marwa, 27 June 2023: “Drug addicts need sympathy, not stigmatization

On Tuesday President Bola Tinubu stated that the government of his country would collaborate closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and its international partners to combat the drug abuse threat.On June 26, 2023, Ogun businesswoman is kidnapped by masked gunmen, and villagers save farmers.

He urged stakeholders to address drug addiction from a people-centered perspective, stating that addicts are also human beings who need understanding and support to recover from drug abuse.

In his opening address at the national conference to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking held at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu stated, “I want to assure everyone, including our local and international partners, of this administration’s unwavering support for the sustenance of drug control efforts.”

The President, who was represented by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said that interventions to deal with drug use and the problems it causes must take into account the person and take into account the social stigma that it causes.

The President said, “These groups frequently face barriers in accessing health care and social services within society to address their drug use problems.” He was referring to people who struggle with substance abuse.

“Consequently, interventions to address drug use and its consequences must consider the fundamental person. One of the most common barriers to accessing support and services is social and structural stigma. This stigma must be removed.

He urged stakeholders to learn about the dangers of drug abuse and the need to end discrimination and stigma.

The Speaker, represented by his deputy Benjamin Kalu, expressed the readiness of the National Assembly to support all Federal Government policies that engender gainful engagements of Nigerians, particularly the youths prone to drug abuse. Nigeria has a looming problem with drugs Drug addicts recount journey to sanity, higher awareness recommended for mental disorder

According to Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, stigmatization of drug abusers is a major obstacle to their rehabilitation.

He argued that such individuals ought to be understood by the rest of society in order to motivate them to seek assistance and utilize recovery support systems.

“They are human beings with inherent dignity, deserving of understanding, empathy, and support… Our prejudices restrict their access to employment, social support systems, and healthcare.

Marwa stated, “Therefore, we must work to remove the obstacles that prevent people from seeking help and foster an environment where they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to access the necessary treatments and interventions.”

According to Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman of the MTN Foundation, profiling drug abusers as criminals makes it more difficult for them to recover.