Tinubu has issued a warning against the social and structural stigmatization of drug users, as it inhibits victims from receiving necessary care and assistance.
The President remarked after MTN Foundation Chairman Julius Adelusi- Adeluyi suggested that drug misuse be treated as a national emergency.
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Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the occasion of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,Tinubu expressed his support for the celebration’s theme, “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”
He stated that the topic emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being and dignity of persons impacted by drug misuse, as well as recognizing their inherent worth, as well as the importance of offering effective prevention and treatment strategies.
These groups frequently encounter hurdles to accessing healthcare and social assistance inside society in order to manage their drug use problems.
As a result, interventions to address drug use and its repercussions must take into account each individual’s fundamental rights.
Stigma, both social and structural, which continues to affect people who use drugs and is implicated as one of the most common barriers to accessing support and services, must be removed.
The president emphasized the need of educating citizens about the risks of drug usage and the need to end stigma and discrimination, while also urging support for those affected.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing drug misuse and addiction.
The speaker, who was represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, expressed the National Assembly’s willingness to support all Federal Government programs that encourage gainful employment of Nigerians, particularly youths who are prone to drug misuse.
He advocated that treating drug addicts and their families with empathy, respect, and decency should be embedded in the ongoing fight’s strategic approach.
In his remarks, Julius Adelusi-Adelujyi, Chairman of MTN Foundation, called the issue of substance misuse as “a clear and present danger, especially given that statistics show that a staggering number of people are caught in its snare.”
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We must deal with this as a situation, stated the MTN Foundation chairman, who was represented by a Director in the firm, Dennis Okoro.
We must treat this as a national emergency, utilizing policy and alliances as a plan to curb this plague.
