Ekiti Moves Against Drug Abuse, Stakeholders Push for Rehab Centres

Authorities in Ekiti State have intensified action against rising drug abuse, as stakeholders demand urgent establishment of rehabilitation centres and stronger family intervention to contain the growing crisis.

At a community outreach in Efon-Alaaye on Tuesday, government officials, health experts and traditional leaders raised alarm over the social and health damage caused by substance abuse, warning that the trend is fast eroding family structures and fuelling crime.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, described drug abuse as a direct threat to society. He urged parents to pay close attention to behavioural changes in their children, stressing that early detection can prevent long-term consequences.

The outreach, held at the King’s Palace Town Hall, drew a cross-section of stakeholders who spoke with unusual urgency. Conversations moved beyond awareness to practical gaps, especially the absence of rehabilitation facilities in the state.

Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said the government designed the programme to confront what she called a public health emergency. She linked substance abuse to broken homes, school dropouts and rising insecurity, but maintained that recovery remains achievable with the right support systems.

Medical experts at the event did not soften their message. Consultant gastroenterologist, Prof. Deji Ajayi warned that prolonged drug use damages vital organs and increases the risk of cancers and mental illness. He argued that prevention remains the most effective defence, but insisted that treatment centres must be available for those already affected.

Clinical psychologist, Dr. Dotun Ajiboye drew attention to the behavioural impact, noting that substance dependency alters judgement and fuels violence, neglect and financial instability within households. He called for early psychological intervention to break the cycle.

Addiction physician, Dr. Abayomi Oshatimi said treatment requires structured care, including detoxification, therapy and medication. He added that stigma continues to block many victims from seeking help, a barrier he believes must be dismantled through public education.

Mr. Dayo Apata, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, took a harder line. He described substance abuse as a root cause of wider social breakdown, recounting cases where drug use cost individuals employment opportunities. He called for sustained public enlightenment and collective responsibility in protecting young people.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Sunday Aina, pointed to a critical gap, the lack of a single rehabilitation centre in Ekiti. He urged the government to act swiftly, warning that enforcement alone cannot solve a problem driven by addiction and social pressures.

Community leaders echoed the concern. Mr. Kola Ajumobi of the Efon Development League said the group would integrate drug awareness into youth programmes. Traditional ruler Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare pledged continued support for advocacy efforts, while lawmakers and senior officials present promised to sustain momentum.

Ekiti Moves Against Drug Abuse, Stakeholders Push for Rehab Centres

By the end of the session, one message stood clear. Stakeholders agree that Ekiti faces a growing drug abuse problem that demands more than rhetoric. They want policy, infrastructure and community action to move in the same direction, before the damage deepens further.