Kogi Government Amplifies Crackdown on Illegal Substances, Forming a 26-Member Task Force
In a bid to address the rising menace of illicit drugs in Kogi State, the government has reconstituted a 26-member Drug Control Committee. The committee was launched on Thursday under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) was formed with the purpose of drastically reducing the sale, distribution, and use of illicit drugs in Kogi State. The SDCC was launched to tackle drug abuse and its associated problems, and it includes members from various critical stakeholders such as the NDLEA, Ministry of Health, Education, Information & Communications, Youth and Sports, Women Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, traditional rulers, chairmen of LGAs, Youth associations, Pharmaceutical bodies, NGOs/CSOs, and faith-based organisations (CAN/JNI) among others.
The Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, launched the committee. In her address, she charged the SDCC to work as a team and hold regular discussions to achieve its goals. She emphasised the importance of the committee in ensuring that Kogi State is not a safe haven for drug dealers or users.
The NDLEA Kogi Commander, Umar Mustapha Yahuza, co-chairs the SDCC with the Governor's Wife, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo. In a statement, Umar Mustapha Yahuza thanked Governor Ododo for bringing the committee to life and assured the government of their commitment to work round the clock to meet the objectives of the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) in the state.
The SDCC's success is expected to lead to a saner and safer society. The committee has been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that Kogi State is free from the scourge of drug abuse and its associated problems. The rising menace of illicit drugs was cited as the reason for the committee's formation.
It is worth noting that the State Drug Control Committee in Kogi State was taken over by a newly appointed chairman in September 2025, but the specific name is not publicly available as of now.
The launch of the SDCC marks a significant step towards ensuring a drug-free Kogi State and a saner, safer society for all its citizens. The government remains committed to this cause and urges all citizens to support the SDCC in its mission to combat drug abuse.
