A tripartite partnership between Adamawa State government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Je-je riders aimed at mitigating the menace of drug abuse has kicked off in Adamawa State.
A mass rally at Capital school in Yola, which was attended by secondary school students drawn from various schools in the state and other critical stakeholders, has raised awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
In his remarks, governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri reiterated his unwavering support for the bold move initiated by the Je-je riders saying it will go a long way in securing the future of young minds.
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Umar Garba Pella, noted that the rally was timely for the fact that the menace of drug abuse has the tendency to eclipse any shred of development attained by communities.
He urged the people of the state particularly the students to avoid engaging in such harmful activities to secure their future.
“Given Adamawa’s significant drug abuse prevalence, with 370,000 users representing 17% of the state’s population, the launch of this campaign in Adamawa is timely and necessary,” Fintiri remarked.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), represented by the State Commandant Femi Agboola Samson, praised the Je-je riders for their commitment and passion in addressing the drug abuse menace among young people. He highlighted the importance of community-driven movements in combating the menace.
Ibrahim Mathew Tizhe, President of the Je-je riders association, welcomed attendees and outlined the organisation’s focus on youth development and humanitarian efforts.
The event also featured award presentations to sponsors and members from Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire.