Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin Pharm. B, Pharm. D, MSc, mPSN, MAW is the immediate past Pioneer Chairman of the Bayelsa State Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee (BADAPARC), hails from Yenagoa Community in Atissa clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This committee was established in 2021 by His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, to address the pressing issues of drug abuse within the state. Dr. Faith’s tireless efforts focused on both prevention and rehabilitation, particularly for young people struggling with substance addiction.
In 2017 she was appointed as a Special Assistant to the Governor, later elevated to the position of a Senior Special Assistant on medicals, and subsequently appointed as Chairman of BADAPARC in 2021.
In 2023, she was appointed as PDP Deputy Director for Women Mobilization (Bayelsa Central), and further appointed to Co-chair the women’s wing of the Bayelsa Central Campaign Council and developed strategies to boost women’s participation in the 2023 General Elections achieving good turn-out of women.
Under the auspices of the Bayelsa State Government, BADAPARC has collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to implement evidence-based drug prevention programs. Notably, they have trained 124 teachers in the “UNPLUGGED” program as well as empowered 100 school counselors through the evidence-based counseling program known as ‘TREATMENT,’ enabling them to effectively address drug-related issues both in schools and the broader community.
Dr. Faith’s commitment to combating drug abuse extends beyond training and education. BADAPARC has conducted extensive awareness campaigns, reaching every nook and cranny of Bayelsa State. They have engaged with local communities, religious centers, markets, and schools, establishing “WAR AGAINST DRUG Abuse (WADA) Clubs” to foster a united front against this menace.
Since 2021, over 100 victims of drug abuse, predominantly youths, have received free counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Faith’s unwavering dedication has facilitated their reintegration into society, allowing them to rebuild their lives.
Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin boasts an impressive professional background. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Benin, Edo State. Her expertise extends to clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice, with a master’s degree from the Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State. During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tenure, she contributed significantly to the Pharmacy department at the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital. Her administrative journey includes serving as the Head of the Pharmacy Department at the Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, Yenagoa.
Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Faith has actively pursued professional development. She has participated in training programs such as the Universal Treatment Curriculum for Substance Use, Universal Recovery Curriculum (UTC), and Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) organized by the Colombo Plan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), training on Basic Life Support (BLS), Basics of Immunization, Vaccination & Parenteral Drug Administration amongst others.
Her scholarly contributions further include numerous paper presentations at international conferences hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) as well as Speaker at the INHSU International Conference, 2022 Abhudhabi, UAE,
As a distinguished Pharmacist, Dr. Faith is a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). She previously held the position of Assistant Secretary in the Association of Lady Pharmacists and received a Merit Award from the PSN Bayelsa State chapter. Additionally, she is an active member of the ISSUP community.
Outside her professional endeavors, Dr. Faith finds fulfillment in her personal life. She is married with children. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, she also serves as a dedicated gospel music minister and shares the message of Grace, Love, and Salvation.
Faith Agbagidi Zibs exemplifies excellence, compassion, and unwavering commitment in her mission to combat drug abuse and promote a healthier Bayelsa State.
So how does a pharmacist fit in to the office of the Marine blue economy when she has no knowledge in the marine world? Is she going there to talk about drugs? That’s why people can’t perform because they have no knowledge about their office