The Ogun State Government has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, calling on stakeholders to intensify sensitisation against the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.

Speaking during a sensitisation walk in Abeokuta organised as part of activities marking the day, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Kayode Oladehinde, said the occasion provided an opportunity for government to assess progress made and identify areas requiring greater attention in tackling the scourge.

He said that while drug abuse is prevalent among young people, some older persons who developed the habit in their youth are also affected, stressing that the responsibility rests on all stakeholders to strengthen awareness campaigns, especially in public places such as motor parks and markets.

"Without doubt, this issue affects people of all ages and genders, particularly because it is a habit often formed at a young age. The State Government is doing quite a lot to ensure we have a drug-abuse-free Ogun State. In collaboration with agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), we have intensified efforts to reduce both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs," he said.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Drug Control Unit of the Pharmaceutical Services Department of the Ministry had established drug-free clubs in secondary and tertiary institutions across the State as part of efforts to catch young people early, noting that the government has continued to support the clubs in carrying out their activities.

Also speaking, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Olalekan Olarinde, said people struggling with drug abuse should be regarded as individuals in need of help, stressing that they should be treated as patients rather than criminals.

He disclosed that with the support of the NDLEA, the State now has a rehabilitation centre in Sagamu in addition to the one at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring that rehabilitated persons do not relapse into drug abuse.