SPEECH FOR 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICT TRAFFICKING (WORLD DRUG DAY)
(Delivered by the Deputy Speaker of Kogi State, Representing Her Excellency, The Wife of the Executive Governor of Kogi State)
Thursday, 26th June 2025.
Protocol:
* Her Excellency, The Wife of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, ably represented
* The State Coordinator, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
* Distinguished Guests, here present
* Our esteemed Youths
* Ladies and Gentlemen
It is with a profound sense of responsibility and a deep commitment to the well-being of our people that I stand before you today, representing Her Excellency, the First Lady of Kogi State, at this critical observance of World Drug Day – the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Firstly, I must extend my sincerest appreciation to Her Excellency, the Wife of the Executive Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, for her unwavering dedication and for spearheading this vital initiative. Her passion for the welfare of our citizens, particularly our youth, women, and children, is truly commendable and serves as a beacon of hope for us all.
Each year, June 26th serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that drug abuse has on individuals, families, and our communities. Here in Kogi State, we are not immune to this challenge. We have witnessed firsthand how drug abuse destroys the potential of our youth, disrupts family structures, fuels crime, and strains our healthcare systems. The statistics, though often unseen, manifest in shattered dreams, lost opportunities, and the very fabric of our society being tested. It’s a painful reality that some families have tragically lost loved ones to the clutches of addiction.
But today, we gather not just to lament, but to reaffirm our resolve and to act. Her Excellency, through her visionary Ohunene Empowerment Initiative, is actively working to give hope to that family that has lost a child because of drug abuse. This initiative is a practical demonstration of her commitment to empower our youth, improve the lives of our mothers, and ensure that our children remain in school, pursuing their education and building a brighter future, free from the lure of illicit substances.
The Ohunene Empowerment Initiative understands that true empowerment comes from a holistic approach – providing vocational skills, access to healthcare, educational support, and comprehensive drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation services.
This year, the global theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” resonates deeply with our aspirations for a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Kogi State. It underscores a fundamental truth: that the most effective weapon against the epidemic of drug abuse is not just intervention, but robust, evidence-based prevention.
Her Excellency is resolute in her conviction that investing in prevention means investing in our future. It requires us to empower our youth with knowledge and life skills, strengthen our families as nurturing environments, enhance our educational institutions as platforms for awareness, and promote healthy lifestyles that steer our young people away from the temptations of substance abuse. This collaborative effort, working hand-in-hand with agencies like the NDLEA, civil society organizations, and community leaders, is crucial in creating a united front against illicit drug activities.
To make the dream of a drug-free Kogi a reality, we need the help of every single one of you. This is not a battle for the government alone, or for the NDLEA, or even for the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative. It requires the active participation of every parent, every teacher, every community leader, every religious leader, every traditional ruler, and indeed, every citizen. We must foster open conversations, break the stigma associated with addiction, and create an environment where those struggling can seek help without fear of judgment.
Today, on behalf of Her Excellency, I call upon all stakeholders in Kogi State to embrace this year’s theme and the vision of the Ohunene Empowerment Initiative. Let us commit to investing in prevention in every sense of the word. Let us nurture a generation that is resilient, responsible, and free from the chains of addiction.
Our collective efforts can and will make a difference. Let us work together to build a Kogi State where our children can thrive, our communities are safe, and the future is bright, unclouded by the shadow of drug abuse.
Thank you, and may God bless us all.