Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship Aspirant, Benue state has called on all relevant stakeholders to embark on state-wide campaign to discourage drug abuse/misuse, addictions and trafficking.
Dr. Kuraun in a statement explained that, “the use of drugs for social rather than prescribed medical reasons has been a major public health and individual problem especially amongst the youth. Some of our youth have been destroyed by drug abuse/misuse and rendered unproductive. The most commonly abused drugs by young adults include: cannabis (also known by other street names as Mary Jane, kush, pot, Marijuana, Eja, blaze, ganja, etc.), Tramadol, and codeine.
“The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders (Government, Drug Control Agencies like the NDLEA, Schools, Religious Organizations, Traditional Institutions, Community etc) to curb drug abuse/misuse is required. We must embark on a state-wise campaign targeting strategic places where young people gather to take substances and discourage drug abuse/misuse, addictions and trafficking”.
The young and vibrant aspirant promised to “establish counseling centres in every council ward for drug control and engage qualified health counsellors to help drug addicts and those dependent on drugs by giving them special advice on how to go about the withdrawal system” if elected come 2023.
Dr. Kuraun added that he would establish drug rehabilitation centres to provide medical treatment to restore their body physiological and psychological functions. “We will encourage and support projects that are against drug abuse and focused on empowering young people that will stand in as advocates of substance abuse in their respective communities” he said.
Kuraun clamoured for effective enforcement ban on points, joints and recreational centres known to be selling points for illicit substances and ensure that uncompleted buildings that are hideouts for the consumption and sale of illicit substances are completed by the owners or risk demolition.
“We will embark on Community outreaches particularly in the rural communities where alcohol and marijuana use is very high because of easy access to the substance and lack of knowledge about the negative impacts on the user’s health” he added.
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