Education key to combating drug, substance abuse – Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that mass education is critical to empowering people with the relevant information they need to resist drug and substance abuse.

Otti said this on Wednesday during the celebration of this year’s United Nations Day Against Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse in Umuahia.

The theme of the celebration, organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), is

“The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention”.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, described the theme of the event as appropriate.

According to him, understanding the effects, risks, and consequences of drug use helps individuals make informed decisions and seek appropriate help when needed.

He said that the journey of life must be approached with the intention of excelling.

Otti said that any youth who desires to succeed should set goals for themselves and be focused on their goals.

He, therefore, advised Abia youths to avoid drugs and bad influences to secure their future success and contribute to societal development.

In a speech, the governor’s wife, Priscilla, said that prevention remains the most effective strategy for tackling the challenge of drug abuse.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Priscilla said that drug abuse and illicit trafficking could be defeated through initiatives that cut off illicit drug supply channels.

She commended NDLEA for its commitment in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and consumption.

“You have led the fight with great courage, admirable professionalism, and a genuine sense of service to the community,” she said.

Earlier, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Amos Adelanwa, said that drug abuse has become a global problem that requires concerted effort from stakeholders to tackle.

“We have a problem of substance abuse in Abia, going by the seizures recorded during our mop-up in the communities.

“We receive a minimum of five applications from people seeking to bring their wards to our rehabilitation facility.

“The investment needed in this fight should come from society, supporting the agency to achieve a drug-free society,” Adelanwa said.

He urged parents to create time for their children and perform their parental duties with diligence.

He also called on all the stakeholders to support the agency, adding that patent medicine dealers should refrain from selling psychotropic substances.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, a secondary school student, Daniel Ogbonna, said that the celebration had given him the opportunity to learn about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

Ogbonna also said that he had become better informed about the guidelines to follow in living a healthy and drug-free life as a youth.