Acknowledging the effects of collaboration, in winning the war against drug abuse, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA , Zone “F” has solicited the support of journalists in the area in the fight against the menace. This is just as the agency decorates the Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ, Hajia Asmau Yawo Halilu with the War Against Drug Abuse Badge.
The Commander of the Zone comprising Kaduna and Katsina States, AC of Narcotics, Momodu Sule called for the support during an advocacy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Tuesday, to discuss the challenges of drug abuse and trafficking in the state,
Assistant Commander Sule underscored the role of the media in fighting the drug menace.
He disclosed that the agency had set up a committee to work with the Kaduna State government, adding that the committee was awaiting inauguration by the governor before it could function.
“We are here on an advocacy visit to partner and work together with journalists to bring down the menace of drug abuse by informing society of the dangers of drug abuse.
“We believe that the media has a critical role in ensuring that society is well-informed about this danger.
“We know that the Kaduna State government has an agency called the Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (KABUSA) that deals with substance abuse, but there is a difference between drug abuse and substance abuse. Substance abuse involves issues like alcohol and cigarette abuse, but drug abuse deals with drugs like cocaine, marijuana, tramadol, etc.
“It is really dehumanising to see parents taking their children to rehabilitation centres because drug abuse has affected their mental health.
“So, we are calling on journalists to continue informing and educating members of society in order to stem the rising tide of drug abuse in the state,” Commander Sule said.
In response, Kaduna State NUJ Chairman, Hajiya Asma’u Yawo Halilu, said, “You are at the right place because journalists are the watchdogs of society. As journalists, we will join the agency to fight the war against drug abuse for a better society.”
The NUJ Chairman being decorated with the War Against Drug Abuse badge by the Zonal Commander.
