The First Lady of Plateau State, Barr. Helen Mutfwang has reaffirmed her commitment to building a drug-free society as Plateau State joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The high-level stakeholders’ engagement was held on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the New Government House, Jos. It was organized by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
While addressing participants, she emphasized that sustainable solutions to drug abuse must be rooted in community action, institutional support, and collective responsibility.
“This year’s theme reminds us that while the challenges persist, our responses must also evolve,” she said. “Together, we can create an environment where our young people grow in safety, dignity, and hope.”
The event featured a keynote paper presentation by Dr. Kurkat Poyi, Consultant Psychiatrist at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). She addressed 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.
This was followed by an interactive panel discussion with experts and practitioners from the CSOs, NDLEA, Plateau State Ministry of Health, Education and the ministry of women affairs and social development who examined practical pathways for prevention, referral, economic empowerment for at-risk youth, and stronger collaboration between communities, law enforcement agencies, and health institutions.
A major outcome of the engagement was the announcement that the Plateau First Lady, in partnership with relevant MDAs, will inaugurate a Special Anti-Drug Task Force to operate across the 17 LGAs. The task force will focus on advocacy, surveillance, sensitization, enforcement, and support for victims seeking recovery.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from 20 communities across Jos North and Jos South, including youth leaders, women leaders, religious and traditional leaders, _Mai Angwas_, representatives of security agencies, NDLEA officers, CSOs, medical practitioners, social workers, community volunteers, social media influencers, and relevant MDAs. Also present were students, caregivers, and community-based organizations.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Daffur, commended the Barr. Caleb Mutfwang administration’s proactive stance on drug abuse and child trafficking. She urged community leaders to serve as “first responders for prevention” in their domains.
Also in attendance was the Uja of Anaguta, HRH Johnson Magaji, representing the Plateau State Traditional Council. He applauded the government for mobilizing key stakeholders to a roundtable discussion to proffer practical and sustainable solutions to drug abuse. He further charged the government to expedite state legislation on the sale of illicit substances.
Also speaking, Hon. Olivia Dazem of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission addressed the impact of substance abuse on parenting, family cohesion, 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 engagement, and charged participants to translate the knowledge gained into concrete action at the grassroots.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge by stakeholders to strengthen collaboration among government, traditional institutions, civil society, the media, and security agencies in building safer, healthier communities across Plateau State.
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