Agboworin Sounds Alarm on Escalating Drug Abuse Crisis in North Central

House Committee Raises Alarm Over Drug Abuse Among Youths and Women in North Central Nigeria

The House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs has raised serious concerns about the rising rate of drug abuse among youths and women in Nigeria’s North Central region, describing it as a threat to societal stability. Speaking at the opening of a two-day North Central National Sensitisation Workshop on Narcotic Drugs in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Abass Adigun, popularly known as Agboworin, called for urgent and proactive measures to address the growing menace.

Rep. Agboworin emphasized that preventing drug abuse is a collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders to create a supportive environment that empowers youths and women to make healthy choices and avoid substance abuse. He explained that the House of Representatives initiated the sensitization campaign to tackle the devastating effects of drug abuse, particularly on vulnerable groups such as women and youths in the region.

“This workshop is a crucial step toward addressing an issue that affects not only individuals but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” Agboworin said. He highlighted the physical, mental, and societal impacts of narcotic use, noting that substance abuse disrupts education, contributes to violence and crime, and undermines community well-being.

Agboworin stressed that both youth and women are often more susceptible to drug abuse due to peer pressure and societal challenges. He reiterated the need for collective efforts to create an environment where they can thrive without resorting to drugs.

The House Committee Chair also thanked Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and First Lady Silifat Abdullahi-Sule for their support in making the workshop a success, while pledging continued collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and state governments to combat drug abuse across the country.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule commended the House Committee for its commitment to addressing drug abuse. He linked the use of narcotics such as marijuana and cocaine to the rise in crime, banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, calling for more concerted efforts to curb the spread of narcotics in the region.