NDLEA SENSITIZES CELEBRITIES ON HOW TO CURB DRUG DEPENDENCE, ABUSE • 35 A-list artistes attend 2-day training
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have just concluded a two-day Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care (DPTC) Sensitisation Training for practitioners in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industry. The training which was organised by NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club is first of its kind in the entertainment industry. It aimed at providing a roadmap for effective drug control implementation in the creative industry while also exposing entertainment practitioners to an effective response to drug demand reduction and strengthen their capacity in evidence-based practices.
Trek Africa Newspaper can report that the DPTC training modules are evidence-based research UNODC curriculums which is expected to be cascaded by participants to others in the entertainment/creative industry. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) sponsored program held on 29th and 30th of March 2023.
In a press release granted Trek Africa Newspaper, the National Coordinator of NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club, Wilson Ighodalo noted: ‘The training aimed to sensitize the participants on the dangers of drug abuse and dependency, the causes of drug use, and the various types of drug treatments available and care. The training was attended by 35 A-list celebrities participants from the entertainment industry.’
‘The first day of the training covered various topics related to drug abuse and dependency. The training started with a presentation on the Drug Situation in Nigeria, which highlighted the alarming rate of drug abuse in the country. This was followed by a session on Understanding the Concept of Supply Reduction, which explained the strategies used by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and supply. The third session was focused on Understanding Advocacy and Steps to Achieving Success. This session provided the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate against drug abuse in their communities. The fourth session, Drugs and Effects: Understanding Drug Dependency, provided an in-depth understanding of drug dependency, its causes, and the various effects it has on the human body. The final session of the day was on Causes of Drug Use and Associated Stigma of Drug Users. This session examined the various reasons why people use drugs and the stigma associated with drug users.’
‘The second day of the training focused on the various types of drug treatments available and the concept of drug demand and harm reduction. The first session was on types of Drug Treatment, which provided an overview of the various drug treatments available, including behavioural therapies, medications, and support groups. The second session, Understanding the Concept of Drug Demand and Harm Reduction, explained the concept of drug demand and harm reduction and how it can be used to reduce the harm associated with drug use. The final session of the training was on Interventions and Responses to Drug Problems in the Family. This session examined the various ways families can intervene and respond to drug problems within the family, including seeking professional help, support groups, and counseling.’
Wilson Ighodalo who is also a member of the NDLEA Special Purpose Committee shared: ‘During the training, there was a film show that examined various aspects of drug use, including Chew on it, When Institutions Care (India), and Just Punishment. The films highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse on individuals and society as a whole. The Drug Prevention Treatment and Care Sensitization Training organized by the NDLEA Celebrity Drug Free Club was a huge success. The training provided the entertainment industry practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate against drug abuse and support those struggling with drug dependency. The training was informative, interactive, and engaging, and the participants left with a better understanding of the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention and treatment.’
Ighodalo then thanked the leadership of the NDLEA, ‘The Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Retired), was represented at the flag off of the training, by very senior NDLEA officers were there for the opening and closing ceremony, DOGI, Deputy Director, Archie-Abia Ibinabo O, Dr. Segun Oke; Lagos State Commander and MMIA Commander also sent representatives which further emphasizes the commitment of the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.’
‘Our amiable NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) CON, MFR DSS is commitment to training and human capacity development to sustain the collective fight against drug crimes and related criminality in our society’, he concluded.
