The Drug Salvation Foundation (TDSF) has finally launched its Anti-Drug Abuse

Television Commercial, at an organised official presentation of its anti-drug abuse campaign ceremony tagged: “Be Smart, Don’t Start.”

The campaign is being jointly promoted with TDSF by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration and NDLEA Celebrities Drug-Free Club.

TDSF produced the Anti-Drug Abuse Television Commercial in conjunction with NDLEA.

It was revealed at the public presentation of the television commercial that drug use in Nigeria is assuming exponentials dimension as the NDLEA has disclosed that an estimated 16 million Nigerians are alleged to be using narcotic drugs.

The Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade while unveiling the television commercial said that efforts must be made to reduce drug use through advocacy and public enlightenment.

The commercial hinted at the fact that, “Sixteen million (16,000,000) Nigerians use cannabis commonly known as hemp while seven million (7,000,000) Nigerians use cocaine, heroin or both.

“Seventy-seven thousand, four hundred and eighty-eight (77,488) suspected drug traffickers were arrested by the NDLEA between 2000 and 2013 for various drug offences.

“100 officers were said to have died in the line of duty since the Agency commenced operations in 1990.”

Giade described the celebrities that have joined hands with NDLEA as patriotic Nigerians who are interested in the well-being of members of the public.

“These ambassadors are genuinely motivated to contribute their quota to the growth and development of our country. They have invested their time and material resources towards the success of this campaign. This is one community service that is worthy of emulation.

“The Agency will continue to require the assistance and support of champions in various fields of human endeavours because effective drug control thrives on the principle of collective responsibility.”

He called on families, schools, organizations and individuals to take the campaign beyond the television screen while urging the international organizations, corporate bodies and individuals to take advantage of this opportunity by sponsoring the commercial on national and international media stations.

The President of The Drug Salvation Foundation, Mr Wilson Ighodalo said that members of the Club are deeply committed to the anti-drug abuse campaign. “The production of this television commercial by the Celebrity Drug-Free Club is part of our contribution to what the NDLEA is doing to reduce the problem of drug abuse and drug trafficking.

“This campaign is targeted at the youths who are vulnerable to drug use. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute our quota in helping humanity.”

NDLEA Director-General Mrs Roli Bode-George thanked members of the NDLEA Celebrity Drug-Free Club for their invaluable contribution to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. She stressed that the Agency is willing to partner with stakeholders in line with best global practice.

Members of the Celebrity Drug-Free Club that featured in the television commercial include: Hon. Dayo Adeneye D1, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Ogun State & Co-CEO

PrimeTime Entertainment Africa; Femi Aderibigbe CEO & Founder, (Virtual Media Network LTD). Nigezie & Orisun TV Channels; Wilson Ighodalo President, The Drug Salvation Foundation, Convener, NDLEA Celebrities Drug Free Club; Uche Nnaji CEO, OUCH Clothing & Motivational Speaker; Wilson Joel CEO Doxology Music & Music Producer; Azuh Arinze

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES International Magazine; and Godwin Enakhena Sport Broadcaster/Chairman MFM Football Club.

•Photo shows Wilson Ighodalo with Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, at the event.

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