Menace of Drug abuse not insurmountable – NDLEA
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Imo State command has expressed optimism that the menace of of drug trafficking and abuse can be solved despite the complex and difficult nature of the challenge.
Imo State Commander of the agency, Mr Abubakar Wali, mm ade the assertion while speaking during an inter-school competition organized by the agency in Owerri, on Saturday, as part of activities marking the year 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The commander who stressed the need for a drug-free society in Imo State called for a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion and evidence based practices.
Wali charged the students participating in the exercise to accept the message of having a drug free society and to remain worthy ambassadors of the War Against Drug Abuse, pointing out that drug abuse has no benefits.
His words, “The world drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide, with many drug users facing stigma and further harming their psychological and mental health.
“We must approach this problem with a human face, combat stigma, raise awareness and empower young people and communities as a way of solving the problem.”
Also speaking, Imo NDLEA Assistant State Commander in charge of Operations and Training, Mr Lamuwa Shehu, harped on the need for proactive and realistic prevention strategies such as abstinence from drug abuse in order to prevent complications.
Shehu who disclosed that the anti-narcotics agency is poised to eradicate drug abuse enjoined the general public to alway engage professionals in matters of drug abuse.
He condemned all forms of stigmatization against drug users and urged the participants to carry the message they have received home.
In his contribution, representative of Evergreen Pharmaceuticals, Orlu, Mrs Patricia Okwatibe, advised pharmaceutical outlets to insist on a doctor’s prescription for drug administration as a way of reducing the spate of drug abuse.
Another guest speaker at the event and the Managing Director of Amber City Hotels, Owerri, Mr Ifeanyi Nwadike, enjoined management and staff of hotels in tge state to be wary of the guests who lodge in their facilities by keeping close watch on their activities.
Responding on behalf of the participants, one of the students, Miss Augusta Emecheta, of the Ihitenansa Secondary School, Orsu, thanked the NDLEA for the programme and pledged to take the campaign against drug abuse home.
The schools that participated in at the event were; Emekuku High School; Owerri City College; Young Scientists College , Owerri; Imo Government Girls Secondary School; Emmanuel College, Owerri; Government Technical College, Owerri and Santa Maria Secondary School, Assah among others.
