On June 26, 2024, the GoldHeart Foundation joined the Ndlea Ekiti State Command during their annual World Drug Day Conference, which was held in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme of the conference was “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.” The event took place at the Adunni Olayinka Building in Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti.

During the event, the First Lady of Ekiti, Associate Prof. Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, made a remark highlighting the significant relationship between drug abuse and crime. She stated that Ekiti State is committed to being aggressive in prevention efforts and aims to address the issue of drugs in the state in order to bring an end to the scourge of drug abuse.

The event brought together various stakeholders to discuss evidence-based strategies for investing in drug abuse prevention. This included NDLEA Ekiti State Commandant Aina Sunday, ASP Edwin, the SSA to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Jimilas Ogunsakin and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye.

Dr. Ajiboye presented a lecture on the conference theme, stating that the focus on drug abuse should not be limited to only males, but females should also be a focus. He emphasized that addiction to alcohol can be even more prevalent than substance addiction. Dr. Ajiboye stressed that prevention is better and less expensive than cure, and that substance use disorders are highly prevalent.

The conference was an enlightening event that engaged all age groups in the discussion around addressing the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Ekiti State. We applaud and appreciate the NDLEA Ekiti State Command’s proactive efforts and commitment to ending drug abuse in the state.