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“The Link Between Drug Abuse and Crime Cannot Be Overemphasized” — Experts Warn at Plateau Workshop

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Experts have raised fresh concerns over the growing relationship between drug abuse and violent crime in Plateau State, warning that the trend is eroding governance and security at the grassroots.

This was the focus of a one-day workshop themed “Impact of Drug Abuse on Local Governance” held on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, at Crispan Event and Suites, Jos. The program was organized by the Sound Minds Medical and Rehabilitation Initiative (SOMMRI) in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and marked the conclusion of a series that had earlier covered the Southern and Central zones of the state.

Stakeholders in attendance included members of the Plateau Youth Council (PYC), religious leaders, directors of health and social services, council secretaries, and traditional rulers. Discussions centered on the far-reaching implications of drug abuse on youth development, insecurity, and community governance.

The Drug Situation in Plateau State and Beyond
Nurse Ndak Zuhumnan Andarawus, popularly known as Nurse Kizito and Program Manager for Plateau State Malaria Eradication, who also serves as a volunteer with SOMMRI, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the state of drug use in Nigeria and Plateau.

He explained that psychoactive substances such as cocaine, tramadol, oxalopin, cortin, elok, and cannabis affect brain function, altering behavior and decision-making. Citing statistics, he said that globally, about 247 million people used psychoactive substances at least once in 2014, with 28 million suffering from drug use disorders. In Nigeria, one in every seven persons aged 15–64 is involved in drug abuse, with Plateau State ranking second only to Kano in prevalence.

He noted that in Jos, “jungles” where drugs are freely consumed now exist in almost every community, posing risks to residents. “The link between drug abuse and crime cannot be overemphasized. Many perpetrators of violent crimes confess they could not have carried out such acts without drugs,” he stressed.

Link Between Drugs and Insecurity
Kizito further explained that hard drugs embolden criminals and armed groups, wiping away their inhibitions and conscience. He recounted findings by researchers that many inmates convicted of violent crimes admitted to committing offences under the influence of drugs.

“The cries from communities about rising drug abuse, crime, and youth delinquency informed this collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. We invited those who work directly with the grassroots—district heads, directors of primary health care and social services, and youth leaders—to find solutions together,” he added.

Expert Perspectives on Drug Abuse
Other facilitators at the workshop included Clinical Psychologist Mafai Dauboyi, who highlighted family risk factors such as poor parenting, early exposure to alcohol, and lack of supervision, while underscoring the role of protective factors like positive role models, structured activities, and strong community values.

Consultant Psychiatrist Prof. Nwoga Charles of the University of Jos grouped drugs into stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and alcohol, detailing their destructive health and social impacts. “Addiction is not just a health issue but a social and spiritual one. Companies profit while communities pay the price in productivity, health, and lives lost. We need treatment centers across Plateau State, not just conversations,” he urged, noting that the state currently lacks government-owned rehabilitation centers.

Governance and Community Impact
Pharmacist Gyang Samuel Ishaya, Executive Secretary of Jos North Local Government Council, described the workshop as timely, stressing that drug abuse has become the central challenge facing youth in the area. “Our problem in Jos North is not about ethnicity or religion—it is drugs. This program helps us build synergy with traditional rulers, NDLEA, and communities to confront the menace,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Aseno Amos, Speaker of the Plateau Youth Council, echoed the need for sustained awareness. “Most of those in rehabilitation centers are youths who should be in schools or at work. Drug abuse is crippling our manpower and fueling crime. We need more of these engagements, alongside job creation and private sector opportunities to keep young people productive,” he emphasized.

Faith and Traditional Leaders Weigh In
Traditional rulers and religious leaders, including representatives of CAN and JNI, decried the accessibility of harmful substances despite regulatory labels and called for synergy among councils, security agencies, and faith institutions. They further urged the revival of youth-focused activities such as debates, quizzes, and cultural events to provide healthy alternatives.

Resolutions and Way Forward
Participants unanimously called for stronger by-laws at the local government level, more powers and resources for the NDLEA, unbiased enforcement of drug-related policies, and the establishment of treatment and prevention centers in Plateau State.

The workshop concluded with the administration of questionnaires to participants, with organizers assuring that all feedback would shape ongoing policy reforms and government plans for drug prevention and rehabilitation.

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Health

Kwara public hospitals introduce digital medical records

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State government-owned hospitals in Kwara State are introducing electronic medical records (EMR) to strengthen health information management and modernise public healthcare delivery in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the KW-HMB, Abdulraheem Malik, disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in Ilorin, the state capital.

He said the initiative, being implemented through KW-HMB under the HOPE-PHC Project, will see healthcare workers begin training on the system in November.

The digital healthcare programme is expected to reduce reliance on paper-based medical records, improve access to patients’ medical histories and promote continuity of care across public hospitals in the state.

The system is also designed to strengthen administrative efficiency and support evidence-based decision-making in hospital management.

The rollout builds on an earlier hospital digitalisation pilot involving six hospitals and the state government’s ongoing efforts to integrate digital solutions into healthcare service delivery.

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The initiative also complements the board’s efforts to strengthen health information management, including the inauguration of its Data Management Committee in August 2026.

The KW-HMB boss, Mr Malik, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the initiative, describing it as an important milestone in the state’s drive towards a more efficient, accountable and technology-driven public healthcare system.

READ ALSO: 30 children rescued from illegal orphanage in Kwara

Mr Malik said the adoption of electronic medical records would strengthen hospital operations, improve patient information management and support more efficient clinical encounters across the state.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the programme and deliver more responsive, efficient and patient-centred healthcare services to residents.

The staff training scheduled for November is expected to equip healthcare personnel with the skills required to operate the system effectively.

When fully implemented, the initiative is expected to improve the management of patients’ health information and support better coordination of care across Kwara State’s public hospitals.


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EuroMatch NPFL: ‘We Never Gave Up!’ — Fidelis Ilechukwu Hails Rangers’ Fighting Spirit, Reacts to Two Penalties Against Barau FC

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Rangers International Technical Adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has praised his players’ resilience and fighting spirit after the Flying Antelopes battled back to secure a dramatic 2-2 away draw against Barau FC in Kano during Matchday 8 of the EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The experienced tactician described the encounter as an important lesson in determination, insisting that his players demonstrated the character required to compete under difficult circumstances.

Read Also: EuroMatch NPFL: ‘Our Defending Is Very Disturbing’ — Salisu Yusuf Admits Shooting Stars Were Outplayed by Kun Khalifat

Rangers appeared destined for defeat after surrendering their first-half advantage, but a stoppage-time equaliser ensured the Enugu-based club returned home with a valuable point.

Speaking during his post-match assessment, Ilechukwu expressed satisfaction with his team’s refusal to surrender despite the challenges encountered during the game, Sports247 gathered.

“It’s a great game. Today teaches us that we don’t have to give up. When we were a goal down, we rallied together and got a point away from home,” Ilechukwu said.

Rangers took the lead in the 38th minute through Ifeanyi Okechukwu, putting the visitors in a promising position heading into the interval.

However, Barau FC responded strongly after the restart, with Joseph Atule converting a penalty in the 56th minute to restore parity.

The hosts completed their turnaround in the 68th minute when Aliyu Sugau converted another spot-kick, putting Rangers under pressure as the contest approached its closing stages.

With time running out, Rangers continued searching for an equaliser, and their persistence eventually paid off.

Chidiebere Nwobodo emerged as the visitors’ hero, scoring in the third minute of stoppage time to rescue a point and deny Barau FC a home victory.

Ilechukwu Reacts to Controversial Penalty Decisions

The two penalties awarded to Barau FC became a major talking point following the encounter.

However, Ilechukwu declined to directly criticise the officiating, acknowledging that the referee had the authority to make decisions during the match.

“I’m not the referee. It’s not my duty, but the referee has the final say on the penalties awarded to the home team,” he explained.

His response reflected a measured approach to the decisions, with the Rangers boss choosing instead to focus on his players’ determination to recover from a difficult situation

Beyond the result, Ilechukwu revealed that Rangers’ continental commitments and the absence of several important players had affected his team’s preparations.

According to the technical adviser, injuries and fatigue prevented some key members of the squad from travelling for the encounter.

“We have to face continental games. Some of our top players couldn’t be here because of injuries and fatigue, but the players available tried their best to secure an away draw,” he said.

The demanding schedule has placed additional pressure on the Rangers squad, making rotation and player recovery important considerations as the season progresses. Nevertheless, Ilechukwu was encouraged by the commitment displayed by those who featured against Barau FC.

Although Rangers were unable to secure maximum points, the dramatic nature of their comeback provided encouragement for the technical crew.

Recovering from a 2-1 deficit to claim a draw in stoppage time demonstrated the determination Ilechukwu wants his players to maintain throughout the campaign.

For Barau FC, the result represented a missed opportunity to secure all three points after overturning Rangers’ early advantage.

For the Flying Antelopes, however, the encounter reinforced the importance of persistence, particularly when facing difficult away assignments.

Ilechukwu’s message was unmistakable: regardless of injuries, fixture congestion or controversial decisions, Rangers must continue fighting until the final whistle.

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