Writing By Sani Suleiman; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The Taraba State Government says it has established drug-free, drama, and debate clubs across public and private primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Drug Abuse and Illicit Substances, Hon. Disebe Bala Donga, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo on Thursday.
He noted that significant progress has been made, including the recent hosting of a summit at the Taraba State University, Jalingo, with representatives from nine tertiary institutions and ten secondary schools in attendance.
Hon. Donga explained that the initiative is aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and the rising involvement of youths and women in illicit substance use across the state.
As a pioneer SSA on drug abuse and illicit substances, Mr Donga explained that Governor Agbu Kefas believes that if the menace is curbed, it would automatically reduce the crime rate in society, across the state.
Mr Disebe Bala Donga Donga advised the youth to disengage from what he described as a dangerous habit and engage themselves in meaningful ventures, and urged parents to monitor their children.
He announced that the state government would engage the youth who are willing to repent from taking drugs and other illicit substances in some activities that will improve their lives.
Additionally, Hon. Disebe Bala Donga revealed that about five hundred and sixty-three youth have volunteered to serve as ambassadors for both physical and online campaigns across the sixteen LGAs of the state.
He commended stakeholders such as the NDLEA and other security agencies in the state, as well as the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, under the leadership of Dr Aisha Shehu, who provided a rehabilitation centre, among others, for their partnership in the fight against drug abuse campaign in the state.
COV/Sani Sulaiman
