Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has warned that substance abuse poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future, stressing that its effects go beyond public health to impact security, education, economic development and social stability.
Mbah made the remarks in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, during a stakeholders’ conference organised by the MTN Foundation to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Enugu on Tuesday.
The governor stated that addressing substance abuse requires a collective effort involving governments, families, schools, religious institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, security agencies and the private sector.
According to him, “Substance abuse is more than a health issue. It is a development issue, a security issue, an educational issue and a social issue. Its consequences extend beyond the individual to families, communities, institutions and the wider economy.”
He added, “The complexity of substance abuse demands a whole-of-society approach. Students, parents, teachers, religious institutions, traditional leaders, the private sector, development partners, security agencies and the media all have critical roles to play.”
Mbah noted that his administration had prioritised youth development, education, healthcare and human capital development as part of efforts to shield young people from harmful influences and create opportunities for them to succeed.
He explained that the ongoing construction of 267 Smart Green Schools across the wards in Enugu State is designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and values required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The governor further stated that the establishment of modern Type-2 primary healthcare facilities across the state demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services, including mental health and psychosocial support.
Emphasising the importance of prevention, Mbah described it as the most effective strategy in combating substance abuse.
“When young people are educated, engaged, empowered and inspired, they are less vulnerable to harmful influences and destructive behaviours,” he said.
He also called for an end to the stigmatisation of individuals struggling with addiction, urging society to embrace rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
“As a society, we must increasingly view addiction through the lens of public health and rehabilitation rather than condemnation. Many affected individuals require support, treatment, counselling and reintegration,” the governor added.
Earlier, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the organisation launched the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme in 2019 to reduce the number of first-time drug users among young Nigerians.
She said, “I personally know people who started out as extremely brilliant and intelligent individuals but got lost along the way because of substance abuse.”
“From taking drugs, people begin to lie, steal and lose themselves completely. Families suffer immensely because of it,” Sanya added.
She disclosed that the foundation plans to engage more than 30,000 additional students this year through awareness campaigns, school-based interventions and quiz competitions aimed at discouraging substance abuse among young people.
