The Drug Salvation Foundation Embarks On Sensitization Of Nigeria Police

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Police have the best community reach in Nigeria and therefore are considered key stakeholders in reducing the drug epidemic.This was the submission of the President of The Drug Salvation Foundation, Mr. Wilson Ighodalo, on why the group embarked on sensitization of the Nigerian Police on drugs abuse in the society.
“As you are aware having officers of the Nigeria Police Force trained on (DPTC) Sensitisation has come up in several forums hence the training”
He said it was a monumental and iconic three days training. The first time ever (DPTC) Sensitization Training targeted at Nigeria Police Force and the training will continue for the entire Nigeria Police Force because is approved and endorsed by Nigeria Police Force.
Ighodalo revealed that the training was delivered for three days for selected Police Personnel and knowledge was imparted using adult learning principles by mixing theoretical, practical, discussion, debates and film screenings to challenge and enhance engagement and interest among participants.
He said that the officers trained are to be flexible in choosing which modules best fits the population that they are wishing to sensitize.
He noted that the result in the Nigeria Police Force showed a great misunderstanding of the issues of drug use and needs of a drug user, as well as high degree of criminalization, discrimination and stigmatization of the drug users, family members and youths.

“Based on the recommendations of this assessment a comprehensive package for drug sensitization and education training was developed to sensitize and raise awareness on the nature of drug use, drug dependence and treatment and care for Nigeria Police Force and settings. The training package is made up of 12 modules and drug use is a public health issue” Ighodalo said.
“As a call to action it is pertinent for the Police to be trained and help change the narrative on drug policy and lend her voice by disseminating evidence based information on drug use and changing the narrative.
In recognition of the Nigeria Police Force as an important stakeholder in substance abuse intervention and Criminal justice system, it is necessary to build the capacity of the Police Force to see substance abuse intervention in relationship with community policing, to reposition the Police  to see drug abuse as a public health issues rather than a criminalisation. As a result, the core element of this initiative is to sensitise and prepare the Police Force in dealing with drug use as public health approach without the criminalisation them.” Ighodalo further stated.