Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has said substance abuse poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future, warning that its impact extends beyond public health to security, education, economic development and social stability.
- +Substance abuse threatening Nigeria’s security — Mbah
Mbah stated this in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.
Mbah stated this in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at a stakeholders’ conference organised by the MTN Foundation to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Enugu on Tuesday.
The governor said tackling substance abuse requires a collective effort involving governments, families, schools, religious institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, security agencies and the private sector.
He said, “Substance abuse is more than a health issue. It is a development issue, a security issue, an educational issue and a social issue. Its consequences extend beyond the individual to families, communities, institutions and the wider economy.
“The complexity of substance abuse demands a whole-of-society approach. Students, parents, teachers, religious institutions, traditional leaders, the private sector, development partners, security agencies and the media all have critical roles to play.
Mbah noted that his administration had prioritised youth development, education, health-care and human capital development as part of efforts to protect young people from harmful influences and create opportunities for them to succeed.
According to him, the ongoing construction of 267 Smart Green Schools across the state’s wards is aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
He added that the establishment of modern Type-2 primary healthcare facilities across the state underscored the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare, including mental health and psychosocial support services.
The governor stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy in combating substance abuse.
“When young people are educated, engaged, empowered and inspired, they are less vulnerable to harmful influences and destructive behaviours,” he said.
Mbah also called for an end to the stigmatisation of individuals battling addiction, urging society to embrace rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
“As a society, we must increasingly view addiction through the lens of public health and rehabilitation rather than condemnation. Many affected individuals require support, treatment, counselling and reintegration,” he added.
Earlier, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the organisation launched the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme in 2019 to reduce the number of first-time drug users among young Nigerians.
She said, “I personally know people who started out as extremely brilliant and intelligent individuals but got lost along the way because of substance abuse.
“From taking drugs, people begin to lie, steal and lose themselves completely. Families suffer immensely because of it.”
Sanya disclosed that the foundation plans to engage over 30,000 additional students this year through awareness campaigns, school-based interventions and quiz competitions.
