Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has called for a community-driven approach to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as the world marks the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In a message commemorating the day, Hajia Sefinat Ododo warned that substance abuse and trafficking are steadily eroding the nation’s social fabric, urging policymakers to adopt holistic strategies that address the root causes of the crisis while prioritizing prevention and treatment.
Reflecting on this year’s theme; “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”, the First Lady expressed concern that young Nigerians continue to access illicit substances with alarming ease, despite interventions by both federal and state governments.
She identified the low cost of synthetic drugs and the role of technology and social media as key factors driving wider availability of these substances across the country.
Against this backdrop, she called for comprehensive sensitization campaigns targeting communities, households, and schools on the health, economic, and institutional impacts of drug abuse.
Hajia Sefinat reaffirmed her commitment to the anti-drug campaign in Kogi State, pledging to sustain rehabilitation efforts for individuals battling substance use disorders.
She also praised frontline agencies, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for their continued efforts in combating the challenge nationwide.
