President Bola Tinubu has called for a change in the manner persons addicted to recreational drugs are generally treated.
Tinubu made this call on Monday in his opening address at the national conference to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, at the State House, Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said a situation addicts are treated with coldness, acrimony and contempt even in hospital is unacceptable.
“These groups often face barriers in accessing the health care and social services within the society in addressing their drug use problems.
“Therefore, interventions to address drug use and its associated consequences need to be mindful of the fundamental individual. Stigma, both social and structural, which is one of the most common barriers to access support and services must be removed,” he said.
Tinubu went on to call for attitudinal change, saying, “We must empower our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives and the resources they need to avoid falling prey to drugs.”
