The Bayelsa State has said that all hands must be on deck to stop cases of drug abuse among youths in the State.
Speaking at a special programme in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa state capital, the state governor, Douye Diri, said modalities are being put in place to sensitize principals and teachers of institutions in the state, particularly secondary schools on the dangers of hard drugs.
Diri said it is pertinent to fight the consumption of hard drugs among youths, urging parents and guardians to instill good values in their wards and children, for a better nation.
“We must together fight drug abuse and its attendant crimes across the State. It’s either we rise up against drugs or it consumes us all. No one is free. We must stand up against it. The committee has gone round the schools sensitizing the pupils and this programme is for the principals and teachers. For us to succeed as a school, you must own this programme, embrace it so our schools can be free of drugs.
“Let me call on all parents to ensure good training and instill worthy discipline in their children and wards. Parents must join hands with the government to prevent drug abuse. Again, beyond the schools, we will take the campaigns against drug abuse to the streets in our communities too to be able to reach everyone.
“We are building a mental health and rehabilitation centre in Ogbia town to take care of those already affected. We have to provide care”, the Governor stated.
The governor also commended the Chairman, Bayelsa State, Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, and her team on their efforts in seeking the eradication of drug abuse among youths in the state.
