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First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (L), discussing with an official of Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).


First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R), discussing with Dr. Jide Idris during 2007 UN International Day Against Drug Abuse.

Speeches

Jun 26, 2007 - 2007 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking

I am delighted to be part of this year’s celebration of the United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Abuse with the theme “Do Drugs Control Your Life?” and the slogan “Your Life, Your Community, No Place for Drugs”.

 

The menace of drug abuse and trafficking has been with us for some time and today it has become one of the major challenges facing us as a nation. This is in spite of the appreciable efforts that had been made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant institutions that were established to checkmate the scourge.

 

It is most worrisome that a lot of lives especially those of our youths who constitute the productive age of the population are being destroyed as a result of indulgence in illicit drugs. It has also been established that most of the violent crimes involving teenagers and the youths are being carried out under the influence of drugs. It is therefore a serious social problem to which we all must work towards proffering a lasting solution in terms of rehabilitating those who are already addicted as it is being demonstrated by the Lagos State Government through the rehabilitation Centre in Tekunle while also taking measures to ensure a drug free society.

 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the crucial role of parents and guardians in the fight against drug abuse especially among our youths cannot be over emphasized. Drug addiction does not occur overnight. It is a gradual process that manifests various symptoms including changes in behaviours and attitudes. It therefore follows that parents or guardians that maintain close relationship with their children are more likely to observe any sudden change in attitude and behaviour that might be drug related and therefore be in a position to take necessary corrective measures before it gets complicated.

 

I am therefore using this opportunity to make a passionate appeal to parents to create more time for their children, take special interest in what they do especially the company they keep and also develop an atmosphere of love, care and affection which will enable them share whatever problems bothering their minds freely. In this ways, we will eliminate the temptation to seek solace in drugs in times of emotional depression.

 

Finally, I urge everyone especially our youths to stay off drugs in order to live a meaningful, healthy and fulfilled life.

 

I commend the collaborative effort of the Lagos State Inter-Ministerial Drug Abuse Control Committee and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in organizing this event.

 

It is my hope that efforts will be stepped up especially in the area of sensitizing our youths on the dangers inherent in drug abuse addiction and trafficking. I also call on individual and organization to come on board in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking by supporting the efforts of the Government especially in the areas of treating, rehabilitating and training of drug addicts.

 

I thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all

 

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State