The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has highlighted a significant issue in Ogun State, revealing that women are increasingly addicted to and affected by drugs more than men.
Jane Ibiba Odili, the Ogun State Commandant of NDLEA, shared these concerns in an interview with our correspondent, emphasizing the alarming rise in female drug abuse in the state and urging affected women to seek help.
Odili disclosed that there has been a drastic increase in female drug abusers, with about 35 cases recorded in 2023 alone. These women, primarily aged between 15 and 30, often fall into drug use due to influences from their partners, peer pressure, and the harsh economic conditions in the country. She lamented that the complex nature of the female body makes women more susceptible to addiction and harder to rehabilitate compared to men.
“The female body is a bit more complicated than that of the male counterpart,” Odili explained. “Because of that, when women abuse drugs, they get easily addicted compared to men and face more challenges when trying to quit. Their roles as caregivers and nurturers in the community also make them suffer more when there is a problem of drug abuse.”
The NDLEA commandant noted a disturbing trend in drug use among women in Ogun State. Common substances include ‘Fenuja,’ ‘Skushis,’ and cannabis (weed), which is locally cultivated. “There is a trend we have discovered among drug users, especially women in the state. Many women are involved in alcohol and various concoctions. In the past, there was just one type of alcohol mix, but now there are different kinds of roots and substances mixed with alcohol,” Odili said.
She elaborated on specific substances popular among female users: “We have ‘skushi’ and ‘fenuja,’ which are very common. Women put these substances in their mouths. Cannabis, known as weed, is sold on the street and cultivated within Ogun State, making it easily accessible and affordable. We also see the consumption of cough syrup containing codeine and tramadol, a painkiller that is highly abused by both sexes.”
Odili stressed that despite the general increase in drug abuse among both men and women, female drug abusers often remain hidden due to shame and fear. “Women who are involved in drug abuse in our communities are ashamed and afraid to come out. So these records might not realistically capture the actual number of women affected,” she added.
The NDLEA in Ogun State is implementing strategies in line with national drug policies to help women who are struggling with drug abuse. These strategies include community outreach programs, counseling services, and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at providing the necessary support for female drug abusers to recover and reintegrate into society.
Odili urged the community to support these efforts and help create an environment where women can seek help without fear of stigma or judgment. “We need to create a supportive environment where women can come forward and get the help they need. This is not just about enforcement but also about providing care and support to those affected.”
She called on families, community leaders, and organizations to join hands with the NDLEA in addressing the issue of drug abuse among women. “It is a collective responsibility. Families should be vigilant and supportive, community leaders should advocate for healthy lifestyles, and organizations should provide resources and support systems.”
The NDLEA’s commitment to tackling drug abuse in Ogun State is unwavering, but the commandant emphasized that community involvement is crucial for success. “Together, we can make a significant impact and help reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among women in our state,” she concluded.
The NDLEA’s report sheds light on a critical issue affecting women in Ogun State. The increasing rate of drug addiction among women, influenced by various social and economic factors, calls for immediate attention and action. Through collective efforts and supportive measures, the community can help women overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.