Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin
The Edo State government has accused some pharmacists, doctors, and health worker of fuelling drug abuse in the state.
The state Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, who represented Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpeholo, made the assertion at a stakeholders worship, hosted by management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Benin yesterday, saying that from arrests made by his ministry, many health workers were involved in aiding drug and substance abuse.
Among the stakeholders that attended and presented papers during the workshop, titled ‘Need for Screening of Alcohol and Substance of Abuse to Enhance Safety in Our Workplace and Safety’, include AIG Monday Agbonika, in charge of Police Zone 5, Benin City, Commandant, Edo State, National Drug, Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.
The management of UBTH used the occasion to inaugurate a drug testing centre built by the institution.
The workshop explored various forms of substance screening including pre-employment, random, and reasonable suspicion testing each serving a distinct function in preserving a drug-free work environment. Discussions further examined the broader societal consequences of substance abuse, ranging from public health burdens to increased risks of accidents and criminal activity.
According to the governor, many pharmacists are involved in trading – buying and selling – of banned and illicit substances. “When they are arrested the roll on the ground, begging for forgiveness,” he said.
The governor blamed political elite for the rise in drug abuse, adding when offenders are arrested politicians mount pressure on his ministry begging for their release. “Politicians will come begging that one is my brother, that one is from my village. In political space if you want to continue to win elections, pardon them.”
He maintained that drug abuse leads to many ills in the society. According to him, criminal activities are linked to substance abuse, even domestic violence, accidents on highways are often attributed to drug intake.
“Domestic violence, accidents, driving on the wrong side of roads, when properly checked are all as a result of drug abuse,” he said.
He praised the efforts of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UBTH in establishing and inaugurating the drug testing centre, the first of its kind in South-south Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Assistant AIG Monday Agbonika, who noted that drug and alcohol abuse fuel crime, called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to effectively curb drug abuse in the state, noting if he had his way he would have every policeman tested.
Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State Commander of NDLEA, highlighted the urgent necessity of such measures, stressing that addressing substance abuse is vital for improving safety in both workplace and public settings.
Dr. Ofoyeju remarked, “Screening is not punishment but prevention and protection.” He referenced the innovative drug integrity test introduced by Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), as a proactive strategy in addressing drug use disorders. He explained that this scientific and efficient process is essential for the timely identification and intervention of substance abuse issues.
Earlier, welcoming the participants, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu, CMD UBTH, reinforced the importance of preemptive action noting that “Drug testing is not merely about identifying a substance; it’s about identifying a risk before it leads to tragedy.”
She emphasised the need to foster a safe and supportive environment for individuals dealing with substance-related issues.
Ize-Iyamu said the drug testing centre would address the escalating and far-reaching consequences of substance abuse in the region.
She listed some of the substances tested at the UBTH testing centre to include amphetamine, benzodiazepines, marijuana/cannabis, ethanol, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol and barbiturates