Osun, Drug-Free Project partner to curb substance abuse among youths

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Government has partnered with the Drug-Free Project, a national initiative dedicated to promoting a drug-free society, to curb the growing wave of substance abuse among youths and workers across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, High Chief Teslim Igbalaye, made this known while receiving the team from the Drug-Free Project, led by its Project Officer, Mr. Ifeoluwayinka Bamidele, in his office.

Igbalaye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet, Special Services, and Office of the SSG, Mr. Olusoji Wojuade, expressed concern over the rising rate of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

He commended the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate on effective strategies to curb the menace.

“The Osun State Government is ready to partner with any organization committed to safeguarding our youth and securing a healthy future for our state,” Igbalaye stated.

Earlier in his remarks, Bamidele appreciated the state government’s support, describing it as a milestone in the mission to build a drug-free society.

He disclosed that the Drug-Free Project has been active for 120 days, operating across six states in the Southwest and Abuja, with plans to expand to all the 36 states of the federation.

As part of the new action plan, both parties agreed to establish drug-free clubs in secondary schools across the state, develop a substance abuse policy for state employees, as well as open a Drug-Free Project office in Osogbo.