Worried by the growing impact of substance abuse on families and communities, stakeholders in Ekiti State have called for urgent preventive measures, including the establishment of rehabilitation centres, as the government steps up advocacy to curb the menace.
The call came during the “BAO for Healthy Families Outreach” held at the King’s Palace Town Hall in Efon-Alaaye, where government officials, health experts, traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and the need for collective action.
Speaking at the event, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, described substance abuse as a major societal problem that has ruined many lives and families.
He urged parents to be vigilant, especially when their children exhibit unusual behaviour, noting that timely intervention could prevent avoidable consequences.
In her welcome address, the programme facilitator and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, said the outreach was aimed at addressing the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse, which she described as a serious public health issue and social challenge.
She explained that the initiative, organised in collaboration with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), aligns with the Oyebanji administration’s focus on human capital development and family wellbeing.
Mrs Babafemi stressed that substance abuse leads to health crises, broken homes, disrupted education, and increased crime, but noted that recovery remains possible with proper intervention and support.
Providing medical insights, a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Prof. Deji Ajayi, warned that drug abuse could result in severe health complications such as addiction, brain damage, cancers of the liver, lungs, and digestive system, as well as mental health disorders and suicide.
He advocated the establishment of rehabilitation centres in Ekiti State, stressing that prevention remains the most effective strategy in tackling the crisis.
Also speaking, a Clinical Psychologist, Dr Dotun Ajiboye, explained that prolonged use of alcohol and psychoactive substances alters brain function, leading to dependency, impaired judgement and emotional instability.
He noted that substance abuse often triggers domestic violence, neglect and economic hardship, thereby perpetuating cycles of vulnerability, and emphasised the need for early intervention and psychological support.
An Addiction Physician, Dr Abayomi Oshatimi, highlighted that effective treatment requires structured approaches involving detoxification, therapy and medication, adding that recovery is gradual and requires patience and sustained support.
He also called for expanded access to rehabilitation services and the reduction of stigma, which discourages many victims from seeking help.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), described substance abuse as “the mother of all abuses,” noting that it destroys individuals mentally, physically, spiritually and financially.
He recalled instances where drug abuse denied applicants employment opportunities, stressing that rescuing the younger generation requires collective efforts and sustained public enlightenment.
Mr Apata also appreciated Governor Oyebanji and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, as well as the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom and other stakeholders for their support of the initiative. He commended the Women Affairs Commissioner for championing the programme.
The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Sunday Aina, expressed concern about the absence of a rehabilitation centre in the state and called on the government to urgently establish one.
He noted that drug abuse is a global problem linked to crime and social instability, adding that tackling it requires collaboration among parents, communities and relevant agencies.
Speaking on behalf of the Efon Development League, the former Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Information, Mr Kola Ajumobi, assured that the group would incorporate substance abuse awareness into its youth education programmes.
Also contributing, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, and the former Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Chief Ronke Okusanya, described the programme as timely, stressing that involvement in hard drugs is incompatible with a successful future and urging parents to monitor their children closely.
The Alaaye of Efon, Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, commended the organisers and pledged continued support for enlightenment initiatives aimed at building a progressive and healthy society.
Similarly, the Chief Whip of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Bose Olowokere, lauded the initiative and assured that such programmes would continue to receive support and be sustained.
The event also had in attendance key government officials, including the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Sola Adebayo; Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola; Special Adviser/Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo; Dr. Olamide Obe, who represented the Commissioner for Health; and the Chairman of Efon Local Government, Hon. Segun Ezekiel Afolabi.
Other participants were market women, students, transport workers, artisans, civil society groups and security agencies.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that addressing substance abuse requires a multi-sectoral approach involving government, families and communities, with renewed calls for policies that prioritise prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.