By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The First Lady of Plateau State, Barrister Helen Mutfwang, has reaffirmed her commitment to building a drug-free society as the state joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The high-level stakeholders’ engagement, held on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Jos, was organised by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Addressing participants, Barrister Mutfwang stressed that sustainable solutions to drug abuse must be anchored on community action, institutional support, and collective responsibility.
“This year’s theme reminds us that while the challenges persist, our responses must also evolve. Together, we can create an environment where our young people grow in safety, dignity, and hope,” she said.
The event featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Kurkat Poyi, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), who discussed the 2026 theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Dr. Poyi highlighted emerging drug trends, treatment gaps, and the need for early intervention, rehabilitation, and community-based prevention strategies.
A panel discussion involving experts and practitioners from civil society organisations, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Plateau State Ministries of Health, Education, and Women Affairs examined practical approaches to prevention, referral systems, economic empowerment for vulnerable youths, and stronger collaboration between communities, law enforcement agencies, and health institutions.
A major highlight of the engagement was the announcement that the Plateau First Lady, in partnership with relevant ministries, departments and agencies, would inaugurate a Special Anti-Drug Task Force to operate across the 17 local government areas of the state.
The task force is expected to focus on advocacy, surveillance, sensitisation, enforcement, and support for victims seeking recovery.
The engagement attracted stakeholders from 20 communities across Jos North and Jos South, including youth and women leaders, religious and traditional leaders, Mai Angwas, security agencies, NDLEA officers, CSOs, medical practitioners, social workers, community volunteers, social media influencers, students, caregivers, and representatives of relevant government agencies.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Daffur, commended the Barrister Caleb Mutfwang administration for its proactive approach towards tackling drug abuse and child trafficking.
She urged community leaders to act as “first responders for prevention” within their respective domains.
Also present was the Uja of Anaguta, HRH Johnson Magaji, who represented the Plateau State Traditional Council.
He applauded the government for bringing stakeholders together to develop practical and sustainable solutions to drug abuse.
He called on the government to accelerate the enactment of state legislation against the sale of illicit substances.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Olivia Dazem of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission highlighted the impact of substance abuse on parenting, family relationships, and gender-based violence.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs appreciated the First Lady and all stakeholders for their participation, urging them to translate the knowledge gained into concrete action at the grassroots.
The programme ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to strengthen collaboration among government institutions, traditional bodies, civil society organisations, the media, and security agencies towards building safer and healthier communities across Plateau State.
