The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has inaugurated a 24-capacity rehabilitation and treatment centre in Gombe.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, Mr Aliyu Adole, the NDLEA Commander in Gombe, said the facility was constructed and handed over to the agency by the state government in 2014.
He said the rehabilitation and treatment centre had been equipped with ICT, tailoring and sporting facilities, would also provide free feeding for all clients admitted in the centre.
“We tagged this occasion ‘Partner with us, drug addicts need help’; indeed drug addicts, just as other sick patients, need help from care givers.
“When the general public partner with NDLEA by bringing their wards who are involved in abuse of drugs, or give us information on the activities of illicit drugs dealers, together we can reclaim this state from the evil consequences of drugs abuse,” he said.
The commander also commended the state government for its contributions, which he said, had enhanced the command’s operational activities in the area of seizure and arrest.
He said that since the inception of the rehabilitation centre in 2014, a total of 138 clients had been counseled and rehabilitated.
In his speech, Col. Mohammed Abdallah (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, identified drug trafficking and abuse as the scourge fueling heinous crimes in the country.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Oluwatoba, the NDLEA boss said the offenses of kidnapping and terrorism had held the nation hostage and are traceable to drug abuse.
He commended Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of the state for constructing and equipping the centre.
While inaugurating the centre, Dankwambo said the occasion was a testimony of government’s commitment to eradication of drug abuse, particularly among youth.
Dankwambo ,who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Charles Iliya, said the state government would continue to support the notable effort, calling on traditional and religious leader to contribute their quota.
(NAN)
