Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has restated that his administration will not relent in giving support to the fight against drug abuse.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri made this known while flagging off a Nationwide campaign against drug abuse organized by JE JE Riders.
The programme, which brought together students, citizens and notable personalities from within and outside Adamawa and Nigeria, was believed to be one of its kind and organized by JE JE Riders as part of their commitment to ensuring that the monster that has eaten deep into the society both within and outside Nigeria is defeated.
While addressing the gathering at an elaborate ceremony held at the capital school in Yola, Fintiri expressed the commitment of the Adamawa State Government to the fight against drug abuse and called on the youths and students to desist from the act as it posed a danger to their wellbeing and future.
According to the Governor, it is not a mere coincidence that a reputable organization known as JE JE Riders chose Adamawa to flag off its nationwide campaign, having led the onslaught against the menace through its notable sons, Chief Executive of NDLEA Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa and the president of JE JE Riders Nigeria Mr Ibrahim Mathew Tizhe.
He lauded JE JE Riders for taking such an important initiative to give back to their country and continent, having hosted members from other African countries to flag off and ensure the success of the campaign in Nigeria.
In his speech, the NDLEA Boss in Nigeria, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, who was represented by the State Commandant of NDLEA … Aulogies JE JE Riders for keying into such an important journey to save the future of the Nigeria youth.
Brigadier Marwa described the Nationwide Students Anti Drugs Campaign as a movement that is driven by passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to addressing the scourge of drug abuse among students and youths.
He commended JE JE Riders for being the heart and soul behind the campaign at a time when the country was grappling with the increasing menace of drug abuse.
“JE JE Riders are more than just bikers but the guidance of a generation, riders on a mission not just our road but into the heart and soul of our young ones.
“Your selfless initiative powered by your resources shows your deep commitment to ensuring that Nigeria students have a future free from drug abuse”.
According to Marwa, statistics available so far paint a worrying picture as more than 14 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 have used drugs once in their lifetime.
He added that the prevalence of drug abuse was significantly higher among young people, pointing out that the 2018 national drug use survey conducted stated that three hundred and seventy thousand users, representing 17per cent prevalence of drug users,s, are in Adamawa state, a disturbing situation that makes the campaign crucial, Marwa said.
He stressed that the drug abuse campaign flag-off is not just another event but the beginning of a journey to reclaim the future of the Nigerian youth from the clutches of addiction.
Brigadier Marwa revealed that in Adamawa, the NDLEA is glad to have the Government’s unwavering support through the establishment of the state drug control committee.
According to the NDLEA Boss, the commitment of the Governor to youth development, education and security has laid a foundation for a state that is resilient hopeful and determined to rid itself of the menace of drug abuse.
Earlier in his welcoming remark, the BOT chairman and president of JE JE Riders, Ibrahim Mathew Tizhe, revealed that at the centre of what the JE JE Riders do as a biking community is youth development.
According to Tizhe, JE JE Riders noticed that one of the big hindrances of youth development in Nigeria, Africa and all over the world is drug abuse and peddling among the youth.
He maintained that what JE JE Riders demonstrated indicated that they did not only take pleasure in riding bikes but, at the same time they also take pleasure in carrying out charity and humanitarian services.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to sponsors of the event, members of JE JE Riders from other African countries who joined the campaign train and a standout comedy on the menace of drug abuse from Nigeria’s popular comedian known as Sarkin Dari.