SOMMRI, Plateau Government Facilitate Workshop on Impact of Drug Abuse on Local Governance

The Sound Minds Medical and Rehabilitation Initiative (SOMMRI), in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, held a one-day workshop themed “Impact of Drug Abuse on Local Governance” at MNS Hotel, Pankshin.

The workshop, which began in the Southern Zone on August 27 and continued in the Central Zone, brought together members of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), security agencies, local government directors of health and social services, and council chairmen to deliberate on the rising menace of substance abuse and its implications for governance.

In his presentation, Prof. Nwoga Charles of the University of Jos highlighted the devastating health risks of drug use, particularly marijuana, noting its link to lung disease, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and weakened immunity. “Marijuana alone contains over 400 harmful substances. Substance abuse erodes health, relationships, and productivity, trapping individuals in cycles of dependence and societal decline,” he said.

Clinical Psychologist Mafai Dauboyi outlined family-related risk factors such as poor parenting patterns, exposure to alcohol at home, and lack of monitoring, while stressing the importance of protective factors like positive role models, involvement in alternative activities, and strong community values.

Another facilitator, Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan Andarawus (popularly known as Nurse Kizito), emphasized the role of psychoeducation and community action in dismantling drug syndicates. “If stakeholders here unite to insist on ending drug sales, the menace will fade. It takes a community to raise a child, and this fight must start from our homes, schools, and neighborhoods,” he said.

Traditional rulers, including district heads from Pankyan, Chip, Amper, Kanam, and Gindiri, lamented the growing accessibility of illicit drugs and called for synergy between councils, security agencies, and religious institutions. They also urged the government to revive youth-focused initiatives such as debates, quizzes, and community events that can channel young people’s energy productively.

Women and religious leaders echoed similar concerns. Mrs. Firapmun Zacharia of NCWS Bokkos warned about the easy availability of harmful drugs despite NAFDAC approval labels, while CAN and JNI representatives stressed the role of faith communities in prevention and rehabilitation.

From the security perspective, officers highlighted the strong link between drug use and crime, noting that drug testing for tertiary institution applicants was a timely government intervention. “Crime has become the order of the day because of what drugs are doing to our youths. Awareness and prevention are critical,” one officer stated.

Participants called for by-laws to regulate illicit drugs at the local level, stronger powers and resources for NDLEA, and unbiased enforcement of policies. The Plateau Youth Council also challenged security personnel accused of colluding with drug users in local communities.

At the close of the workshop, participants were encouraged to send feedback and recommendations via a designated phone number. Organizers assured that the inputs would guide ongoing government policies, including plans to establish a rehabilitation and prevention center in the state.