Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, joined forces with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa Rtd., to publicly destroy 25 tons of illicit drugs seized by the state Command.
The event, which took place beside Confluence Beach Hotel, Ganaja, Lokoja, marked a significant step in the state’s efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
Governor Ododo pledged to keep Kogi State free from the scourge of narcotic drugs, emphasizing the importance of a drug-free environment and discouraging young people from abusing drugs.
He announced his commitment to keeping Kogi State free from narcotic drugs during the official 2025 public destruction of exhibits by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Represented by the Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Duro Omodara Rtd, Ododo stressed the significance of a drug-free environment in discouraging young people from abusing drugs.
This emphasis is crucial, considering the severe consequences of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities, he added.
Governor Ododo explained that by promoting a drug-free lifestyle, the state aims to protect its youth from the harmful effects of substance abuse, which can lead to health problems, poor academic performance, and even criminal behavior.
He vowed to eradicate cannabis cultivation in four Local Government Areas in Kogi State, notorious for this illicit activity.
To achieve this, the Governor has pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to destroy these cannabis farms and combat drug abuse in the state.
The Governor further pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking within the state.
The NDLEA Boss pledged to protect Kogi State from the scourge of drug traffickers and users.
Represented by Suleiman Ahmed Nigi, Marwa emphasized the devastating consequences of narcotic drugs on human lives, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to combat this menace.
“I am delighted to be here today on this important occasion of the public destruction of 25 tons of assorted illicit drugs seized by the Kogi State command of NDLEA.
“This staggering volume of 25,000 kilograms of illicit substances is capable of further heightening the security situation in the country and Kogi State in particular if allowed to circulate,” he said.
He emphasized that the sheer bulk of the drugs that will be destroyed is a reminder to everyone about the magnitude of the drug problem in the country adding that the statistics from the National Drug Use Survey (2018) gives insights into this adding that just two of the facts are enough to cause a sober reflection. He added that 14.3 million Nigerians, aged 15-64 years, are abusing drugs.
He stressed that 10.6 million of the nation’s compatriots abuse cannabis, which makes Nigeria one of the countries with the highest number of people abusing the psychotropic plant and that the statistics are worrisome when you look beyond the figures to their health and security implications.
The breakdown of the drugs destroyed included Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, and others.
The NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, U.M. Yahoza, praised Governor Ododo for his tireless efforts to make Kogi State drug-free, noting that over 24 vehicles belonging to drug dealers have been forfeited.
Hon. Treasure Eunice Achimugu, Special Adviser to the Governor on the War Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commended Governor Ododo’s dedication to combating drug cartels and traffickers.
The Governor’s commitment to this cause demonstrates his genuine love and concern for the well-being of the people of the State, he added.
