In continuation with its familiarisation and Advocacy visit to key stakeholders in Lagos State in the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, the Lagos State Commander of NDLEA Lagos State Command, Barr. Callys Alumona, paid a visit to the Commissioner, Ministry of Education, Folashade Adefisayo.

Alumona who was represented by the Deputy State Commander, Marcus Ayuba in his address stated that the purpose of the visit is to intimate the critical stakeholders in the WADA campaign which Ministry of Education is one of them.

He stated that Education is the foundation of every profession and partnering with the ministry cannot be over emphasised, saying the drug abuse now has taken a new dimensions where school children are involved.

According to him, Drug Supply Reduction was the major section in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

He however said with the coming of the administration of retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, as Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA has focused his emphasis on Drug Demands Reduction where President Muhammadu Buhari launched the WADA campaign program last year June.

In his words, this aspect encompasses campaigns sensitisations, rehabilitation, treatment and education, that where the society is well informed of the dangers and the consequences of illicit drug trafficking and abuse them the menace will naturally dropped.

This according to the Commander can be achieved through school based program, parents/family based and community based action plans, that all these initiatives will be achieved in collaboration with the ministry which is more connected to all the above mentioned components hence the visit.

In her response, Adefisayo said she has absolutely agreed with the submissions, that it is high time a new strategy is adopted, if not the up coming generation will be something else.

She said all the crucial and critical stakeholders should come together to tackle this menace, saying her ministry will form a committee in collaboration with the NDLEA and passioned out an action plan for schools.

Adefisayo suggested that a curriculum where parenting will be taught should be designed for parents to be taught at the very basis.

During the interactive session suggestions were made which includes lectures during graduations from one stage of class to another, during parents teachers association meetings where professionals will be invited to do so.

This will go a long way in changing the children’s perspectives from crime and criminalities if such burning issues like drug trafficking and abuse, rape, prostitution and others that is ravaging our youth are lectured.

At the end of the deliberations the Commissioner was inducted as the WADA Ambassador with the lapel.

This is contained in a statement by Media and Advocacy Officer NDLEA Lagos State Command, Mallum Musa.