REPORTER: CHIKA KENNETH – ESONWUNE
Equipping young people in schools with knowledge on the dangers of substance abuse remains a viable path to combating illicit drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
The Commander NDLEA,Anambra State, CN Charles Onubogu stated this when the state Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation,Dr Law Mefor visited the NDLEA command headquarters in Awka.
The Commander revealed that the command has sensitized more than one hundred and seventy schools across the state on the dangers of illicit drigst established drug free clubs and organized quiz competitions for secondary schools in the state all geared towards drumming the message of abstinence from illicit drugs into their young ears.
He noted that the fight against drug abuse requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, stressing that effective collaboration, public enlightenment and community participation remain critical to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and disrupting the activities of drug traffickers
Commander Onubogu reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to work closely with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, educational institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen drug prevention and enforcement efforts across Anambra State.
While commending the NDLEA for the good work it’s doing,the Commissioner stressed the need for increased public enlightenment, advocacy and community-based sensitisation campaigns to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.
Dr. Mefor who was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director Anambra State Civic Reformation Office, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, further emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation and the NDLEA in the areas of public education, awareness creation, information dissemination and community engagement.
He called for continued support for the NDLEA and other relevant agencies in their efforts to protect the younger generation and ensure a safer and healthier Anambra State.
