The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday, organised a town hall meeting with some school principals in Osun to solicit support in the fight against Drug abuse among secondary school students.
The town hall meeting, was held in Osogbo,in collaborative effort of the Osun NDLEA Command and the Osun Ministry of Education.
Mrs Awogbuyi Joyce, NDLEA Zonal Commander, Zone I Ibadan, said the aim of the interactive meeting was to increase knowledge and awareness of the possible harmful effects of drugs.
Joyce also said that the gathering calls for collaborative efforts with the school principals, in the fight against drug abuse, through the Ministry of Education of Osun State.
She said the agency will continue to hold constant drug awareness campaigns , create War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) society/club and increase guidance counsellors in secondary schools in Osun.
She added that students found with drug issues or who may have predisposing problem to drug use will be directed to help sources including the NDLEA drug rehabilitation department.
She urged school principals to consider creating an environment that discourages drug use by carrying out random drug test for students.
“My belief is that our joint efforts and commitment in the area of efficient drug awareness and prevention can keep the State Secondary school students out of problematic drug use, misuse and illicit trafficking.” she said
Mr Nnadi Chidi, the State Commander of NDLEA, called on the principals to pass the enlightenment message to their teachers and parents, especially during gatherings.
Chidi also urged them to watch out for drug dealers around their schools or environments and reports such scrupulous elements to the Agency.
He, however, cautioned them to ensure illicit drugs are not planted or cultivated within and around their school premises.
Mr Muritala Jimoh, Permanent Secretary in the Osun Ministry of Health, who represented the State Commissioner for Education, Eluwole Sunday, commended the initiative.
He admonish the principals to be ambassadors in the fight against illicit drugs and drug abuse in their schools and to closely monitor their students in order to fish out those indulge in substance abuse, and direct them for help.
NDLEA officials thereafter presented samples of the most commonly use illicit drugs, among the students and Nigerians to the principals.
The agency however added that recognising the samples would help in the fight against Drug abuse and prevention.
