Ondo to build rehab center to cater for people with substance use disorders

The Commissioner for Health, Ondo state, Dr Banjo Ajaka, has revealed that the state government was making plans to build a rehabilitation centre to cater for patients with mental disorders.

Ajaka said this during a Mental Health Submit organised by Niger Delta Youth Council/Health Circle Initiative in partnership with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Akure.

Ajaka, who was duly represented by Dr. Sajo Sunday expressed concerns over Nigeria seemly becoming the centre for drug trafficking, and how Nigeria is now a free passage for traffickers.

He said “Our country, Nigeria has developed a reputation as a centre for drug trafficking and usage mostly among the youth population.

“Almost all types of psychoactive substances are now available in Nigeria due to their spillover into the streets from drug traffickers who use Nigeria as a conduit to transport drugs from Southeast–Asia and South America to Europe and North America

“Over the years, the government of Ondo state has made significant progress both in the prevention and treatment of people who have comorbid substance use disorders and other mental health conditions through various evidence-based prevention programs, policies, and integrated approaches by our health personnel.”

He then added that the state government would soon build a rehabilitation centre to cater for people who have mental disorders as a result of drug abuse.

“Currently, efforts are in place by the government of Ondo state to build a good rehabilitation centre to cater for people with substance use disorders and mental illness.

“It is important to say that all of us must collaborate with the government of Ondo state to put an end to the menace of drug abuse in our dear state”, he said.