Former governor of Adamawa State, Buni Haruna, has raised concern over the wave of drug addiction, calling on the Federal Government to take deliberate steps to tackle the menace.

He spoke during the third edition of the “Fly above the high” programme organised by the Recovery Advocacy Network, with the theme, ‘Beyond the fog: Reclaiming the narrative of hope.’

Haruna said the fight against drug abuse must be collective, stressing that no family is immune.

“Fighting against drug addiction should be a collective responsibility of every Nigerian because everybody is at risk. Every family is at risk.

“Just as the government deliberately intervened in dealing with HIV when it broke out, that is how it should be with drug addiction in this country,” he said.

He dismissed the notion that addiction is a moral failure, describing it instead as a medical condition requiring treatment.

“It’s not a character deficiency. People from good and religious homes still fall into it. Addiction is a disease and it needs treatment,” he stated.

The former minister of youth development also called for a shift in focus towards drug traffickers, urging authorities to intensify efforts at discouraging the trade through awareness and education, alongside legal action.

President of Recovery Advocacy Network, Dr Adekunle Adesina, disclosed that about 3000,000 Nigerians currently battle addiction.

He likened addiction to a “dense fog” that clouds families and hides the path to help.

“Whenever addiction enters a home, it obscures the people you love and blankets families in shame and confusion,” he said.

He urged parents to prioritise early intervention, warning that silence remains a major driver of the crisis.

“To parents, your greatest enemy is not the substance, it is silence. Early intervention is your greatest weapon,” he added.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr Samuel Abah, expressed optimism about recovery, noting that many addicts have successfully overcome substance abuse.

“What is possible is recovery. We have numerous testimonies. Relapse is preventable if we work together as a team,” he said.

Abah emphasised that addiction is not a dead end, adding that the brain has the capacity to heal with proper care and support.

He, however, stressed the need for continuous family involvement after rehabilitation, warning that lack of follow-up often leads to relapse.

“Rehabilitation centres alone cannot prevent relapse. Families must build on the progress made or the patient may relapse,” he said.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Buba Marwa, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advocacy and public enlightenment.

Represented by the FCT Strategic Commander, Julius Dzer, he said the agency had restructured its operations to strengthen both drug demand reduction and rehabilitation efforts.

He added that sustained awareness campaigns would reduce demand, thereby discouraging drug supply and its associated dangers.

The NDLEA boss also highlighted the far-reaching impact of drug abuse, noting that it affects individuals, families, national development and security. (The Sun)

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