Helen Mutfwang, wife of Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has called on families, governments and stakeholders to unite against drug abuse, describing prevention as the strongest weapon.

Mrs Mutfwang made the call on Tuesday in Jos during the state’s commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event.

It was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs.

She said the 2026 theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” highlighted emerging threats, including synthetic drugs and technology-driven trafficking requiring innovative solutions.

She said also that the theme offered an opportunity to strengthen collective action against substance abuse and organised drug-related crimes globally.

Mrs Mutfwang noted that drug abuse continued to destroy dreams, weaken families, fuel crime, reduce productivity and overwhelm healthcare and security systems while threatening the future of young generations.

She urged parents, educators, religious leaders, community leaders and government officials to jointly protect children through stronger family values, education, counselling and rehabilitation support services.

She said the Plateau State government had adopted a multi-sectoral strategy, partnering federal agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and communities to prevent drug abuse and combat trafficking. 

“The government complements NDLEA through awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, school and community engagements, rehabilitation services, mental health support and strengthened security collaboration, ‘’ she stated.

Mrs Mutfwang reaffirmed her commitment to supporting partnerships, promoting youth empowerment, advocacy and community awareness, saying united efforts remained essential to eliminating the scourge of illicit drugs statewide.

She advised young people to reject addiction, embrace education and pursue purposeful lives.

‘’I also encourage parents to maintain communication, provide guidance and intervene early against harmful influences, ‘’ she said.

She commended security agencies, healthcare workers, educators and counsellors for combating drug abuse, expressing confidence that collective commitment would build healthier, safer and drug-free communities across Plateau.

Also, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Dafur, urged parents, communities, traditional rulers and relevant agencies to unite in preventing drug abuse while supporting rehabilitation, awareness and youth protection efforts.

The keynote speaker, Kurkat Maigida, commended the governor’s wife and miinistry of women affairs for mobilising stakeholders against substance abuse.

Ms Maigida is a consultant psychiatrist at Jos University Teaching Hospital.

She explained that drugs altered body and brain functions, stressing that while some medicines had legitimate uses, misuse of legal and illicit substances fuelled addiction, mental illness and crime.

She stated, “Synthetic drugs and dangerous substance mixtures are increasingly attracting younger users.

“I call on parents and communities to recognise emerging trends, identify suspicious substances early and prevent abuse.”

She said that strengthening families, schools, communities and treatment services remained essential to prevention.

She, therefore, called for sustained public education, collaboration and coordinated action to curb substance abuse nationwide. 

(NAN)