• Calls for collaborative efforts against menace
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
June 26 every year, is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking since 1987; and as the world commemorates this year edition, the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, on behalf of Government, issued a statement titled: ‘Breaking the Cycle: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All.’
The statement personally endorsed by the Ministry’s Commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah and availed journalists in Benin, the State Capital weekend, was a reaffirmation of Government commitment to combating the menace, it was said.
Noting that ‘Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ are twin challenges, the Commissioner quoted data from various reliable official sources which emphasised; the deep seated danger the menace poses to society.
Particularly, “the South-South region, including Edo State, remains among the areas most affected by illicit drug use,” She stated.
Full Text
As the global community commemorate the ‘International Day of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ 2026, the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development joins governments, development partners and stakeholders across the world in reaffirming our commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
These twin challenges continue to pose serious threats to public health, family stability, community safety and sustainable development.
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The reality before us is deeply concerning. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Nigeria’s National Drug Use Survey, an estimated 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64, representing 14.4 percent of the population, use psychoactive substances, a figure significantly higher than the global average of 5.6 percent.
The South-South region, including Edo State, remains among the areas most affected by illicit drug use.
Recent records from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) further underscore the urgency of the situation.
In 2025, the Edo State Command arrested 462 suspected drug offenders and recovered over 207,595 kilograms of illicit substances.
Between January and March 2026 alone, illicit drugs with an estimated street value of ₦1.8 billion were intercepted and removed from circulation within the State.
Beyond these statistics are lives, families and communities bearing the devastating consequences of substance abuse.
Drug addiction fuels criminal activities, domestic violence, mental health disorders, school dropouts, unemployment, family disintegration and declining productivity.
Most alarming is its growing impact on young people, whose dreams, talents and future prospects are often destroyed by addiction. Protecting this generation must remain a collective priority.
In line with the SHINE Agenda of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, the State Government has taken decisive steps to address this growing social challenge through the establishment of the State and Local Government Drug Control Committees.
These structures are designed to strengthen prevention, coordination and community-based responses to drug abuse across the State.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has equally intensified interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable groups.
Among these efforts is the ongoing removal and rehabilitation of mentally challenged persons from the streets of Benin City, many of whom are victims of prolonged substance abuse.
Through psychosocial support, rehabilitation, counselling and family tracing, the Ministry continues to facilitate the recovery, reintegration and restoration of affected individuals.
As we mark this important day, I call on parents, guardians, schools, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and every well-meaning citizen to join hands in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Preventing substance abuse is a shared responsibility that requires sustained awareness, early intervention, strong family values and community support.
Together, we can protect our children, empower our youth, strengthen our families and build a healthier, safer and more prosperous Edo State where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
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Drug abuse is preventable. Recovery is possible. Together, we can break the cycle and build a future filled with hope, dignity and opportunity for all!
By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the UN General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
Additional report sourced from the un.org
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