To Combat Drug Abuse In Our Communities, All Hands Must Be On Deck, Says Asiwaju Wahab

...As Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, NDLEA and Irepolere Ogunji Area CDC mark U.N International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking with fanfare

The Ogun State Commander of NDLEA, CN Tijani Rave and President of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, Alhaji Asiwaju Dapo Wahab yesterday.

Drug Abuse has been described as a societal problem confronting not just the sufferers alone but including the families, neighborhoods and the entire nation and only the concerted efforts of all could combat this social malaise, a renowned Abeokuta based drug fighter, Alhaji Asiwaju Dapo Wahab has said.

Speaking yesterday at a community awareness campaign held to mark this year's U.N International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking, Asiwaju Wahab, the President of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation maintained that "the power to combat drug abuse lies within the communities."

The occasion which was marked with fanfare and pageantry and hosted at Irepolere Ogunji Area CDC had the entire crew of the Foundation in attendance as well as the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as well as community leaders, chieftains of transport unions and representatives of youth organizations.

From left to right: the Deputy Commander of NDLEA in Ogun State, the Commander, Asiwaju Wahab and Mrs Adeoti a.k.a Mama Africa.

Asiwaju Wahab said  that drug abuse poses a critical challenge to our communities, our nation, and the world at large and reaffirmed the commitment of his Foundation to address the issue with the urgency and dedication it demands.

He also noted that this year's theme, "Community of Opportunity: An Antidote to Drug Abuse in Our Communities," could not be more timely or relevant as It encapsulates a fundamental truth that the power to combat drug abuse lies within our communities. 

"It is within our collective strength and resolve that we can create environments where hope thrives, opportunities abound, and the specter of drug abuse is diminished" Asiwaju Wahab pointed out.

The drug fighter noted that the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation has always believed in the transformative power of the community and that to tackle it effectively, we must foster communities that provide alternatives to the despair and hopelessness that often lead individuals down the path of substance abuse.

Asiwaju Wahab therefore called for more focus on five fundamental programs to promote a community devoid of drug abuse viz: (1) Education and Awareness, (2) Economic Empowerment, (3) Strengthening the Families, (4) Health and Rehabilitation Services and lastly (5) Community Engagement and Involvement.

He concluded that: "access to health and rehabilitation services is crucial in our fight against drug abuse, hence we must ensure that those struggling with addiction have access to compassionate and effective treatment. 

"Our communities should be equipped with rehabilitation centers, mental health services, and support groups that offer a path to recovery and reintegration. 

"The Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation is committed to investing in these essential services, ensuring that no one is left to battle addiction alone."

In his own speech at the occasion, the Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Tijani Rabe agreed that drug abuse is a pervasive challenge that affects individuals, families, and communities across our state and the entire nation as it undermines public health, fuels crime, and threatens the very fabric of our society.

He however maintained that while enforcement and rehabilitation are vital components, preventing drug abuse before it starts is the most effective approach adding that prevention involves education, awareness, and community engagement—areas where everybody plays an indispensable role.

He reiterated NDLEA's commitment to supporting initiatives and working alongside communities to create a drug-free environment, noting that people's "participation today is a testament to the power of collective action, and I am confident that together, we can make significant strides in this battle".

He gave a phone number, 08001020304 to the public as the hotline of his agency in case of any need to contact NDLEA urgently.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairperson of Irepolere Ogunji Area CDC, Mrs M.M Adeoti, a.k.a Mama Africa had noted that the community awareness campaign could not have been more timely as incidents of drug abuse keep rising in the country.

She urged everybody to not only say no to drug abuse and its illicit trafficking but to take active role in the fight against its scourge.

NDLEA officers, members of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation and some members of Irepolere Ogunji Area CDC in a group photograph.

Pupils of Cananland Primary School who thrilled audience with drama and Ewi Cultural Display at the event yesterday in a group photograph with the NDLEA boss and the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation members.