The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) and National Orientation Agency, including Stakeholders have deliberated on best ways to tackle the increasing menace of drug abuse especially Methamphetamine, (Mkpuru mmiri ) in the state. The summit was held in Awka during the weekend with its aim to fight the illicit drug availability and consumption that causes great danger, and threatens the socio-political and economy of the state and to bring everybody on board to ensure a holistic approach towards addressing issues of drug abuse.
In an opening remark, NDLEA Commander, Mr Onyishi Ogbonna, noted that ‘It is more worrisome that a sizable number of clandestine laboratories for the manufacture of Methamphetamine discovered by the NDLEA were in Anambra State’. The event was in line with the mandate given to him upon assumption of office to clean up the state of illicit drugs and reduce cases of drug abuse.
According to him, to achieve the mandate, he had crafted a plan to get down to the grassroots and ensure that from there, the clean-up activity can begin. ‘Today, we decided to bring the youths who are most susceptible to drug abuse, from the local areas. At this event, we have representatives of youth groups deliberating with us on how we can get down to the communities, the villages, the wards, and the schools and make sure this message is loud and effective-for youths to shun drug abuse.
Mr Onyishi, who spoke on the outcome of the engagement, said the command is leaving the event with the assurances and buy-in of the youths and other stakeholders towards their efforts.
“The key stakeholders has promise to support us with the sponsorship and advancement of this course at the grassroots, the youths also pledged their unflinching support to the initiative”.
“With this, the war is already won because if we can get these young people who are the most prone to the abuse of hard drugs and other substances commit to a drug-free society, then there is no more challenge”.
Also in his address, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr Joseph Uchendu, noted that the event will complement ongoing activities by the NOA and other stakeholders at the community level, towards eradicating drug abuse. In his word, ‘I commend the NDLEA Anambra State Command for the conscious effort towards their mandate. This event is highly commendable and I will ensure that the youths understand their roles in dealing with this hydra-headed monster.’
He emphasized that for the War against drug abuse to yield the desired result, the stakeholders must work to destroy the distribution chain from the producers to the distributor, down to the courier before it gets to the consumer. ‘I am optimistic that with the crop of youths in Anambra today, we will surely achieve a drug-free society.’ he said.
In his remark, State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb Surv Obi Emeka Chukwudi said frowned at the posting of NDLEA officials from Anambra, who are making appreciable progress in crushing drug peddlers.
‘This is usually the outcome of situations like this, whereby once we get a commander who is committed to winning this war in Anambra, all of a sudden, he is transferred and the whole efforts came to naught. This is because very highly-placed persons are behind this wicked business and they have connections.’
‘Anambra youths therefore demand that the NDLEA hierarchy consider this and ensure that the persons posted here and who have started making good progress in dealing with this issue, are left to complete their efforts.’
‘As Anambra youths, we believe in a sane society, conducive enough for our people to manifest their potentials and a society characterized by drug peddling and addicts cannot guarantee such our expectations.’
The NYCN under my watch, will partner with the NDLEA to bring the incidence of drug abuse, especially among our youths to the barest minimum.’ However, Goodwill messages from stakeholders, the representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Police and the DSS, harps on the need for government to set up a centre to take care of drug addicts, where they will be reoriented and rehabilitated.
They collectively pledged their collaboration in the War against drugs. Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of awards in recognition to some individuals and groups for their outstanding performance to NDLEA.
