By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA(PRECISE POST) — Nigeria’s First Ladies have renewed their commitment to tackling drug abuse, supporting rehabilitation programmes, and empowering young people, while urging treatment centres to adopt humane and non-torturous methods in dealing with persons battling substance addiction.
Speaking during activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq emphasized the critical role played by First Ladies across the country in supporting anti-drug initiatives and rehabilitation efforts.
According to her, annual engagements and capacity-building sessions among state First Ladies have significantly strengthened their interventions in drug control and youth development across the country.
She explained that many First Ladies serve as matrons, coordinators, or advocates within state drug control committees, working closely with rehabilitation centres and relevant agencies to assist individuals recovering from substance abuse.
“We help rehabilitation centres, support those struggling to get back on their feet, and assist them in finding employment opportunities. As mothers of our states, we have a responsibility to protect and guide our young people,” she said.
The First Ladies, she noted, work under the guidance of the First Lady of Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which has introduced several programmes aimed at improving the welfare and opportunities available to Nigerian youths.
She said collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other stakeholders has yielded encouraging outcomes in efforts to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the country.
The governors’ spouses also commended the introduction of youth-focused initiatives, including educational and counselling platforms designed to provide guidance and mentorship to young people.
According to her, prevention remains the most effective strategy against drug abuse, urging young Nigerians to avoid harmful vices, seek positive relationships, and engage in productive activities.
“Young people should be creative, seek mentors, speak out, and surround themselves with positive influences. Prevention is always better than cure,” she said.
The forum further stressed the importance of empathy in rehabilitation practices, warning treatment centres against the use of harsh methods that could amount to torture.
She observed that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking coincides with the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, making it necessary for rehabilitation practitioners to adopt approaches that protect the dignity and mental wellbeing of recovering addicts.
“When excessive force or harsh methods are used, rehabilitation can become torture. Treatment centres must ensure their practices are clean, empathetic, and designed to heal rather than further traumatise young people,” she said.
The governors’ spouses also highlighted ongoing programmes aimed at youth empowerment, including skills acquisition, technology training, entrepreneurship development, and social support initiatives.
According to her, keeping young people actively engaged through education, skills development, and productive hobbies would help reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse and other social vices.
She urged youths facing challenges to seek help, speak to mentors, and take advantage of available support systems.
“We are listening, we are watching, and we want to hear from our young people. We are ready to assist in every way we can,” she added.
The renewed commitment by Nigeria’s First Ladies comes as stakeholders intensify efforts to address rising concerns over substance abuse among youths and strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration programmes nationwide.
