In commendation of the 2023 world Drug Day the National drug law and enforcement agency, Anambra State command in conjunction with International Society for Sustainble Use Professsionals (ISSUP) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka have appealed to Nigerians to stop the Stigmatization of Drug Abusers in the country. NDLEA boss, Anambra state Commander Onyishi Daniel while speaking during the 2023 world drug day event which took place in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Auditorium, Awka.
With its theme; People First: Stop stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention, equally noted that to stigmatizating on drug abusers affect them both physically, psychological and socially demoralising. In his words, ‘between February and June, 2023 when I assumed office, Anambra has witnessed a tremendous reduction in drug abuse and illicit trafficking related activities in the state’
Noting that within the stated period, the Command has seized a total of 833kg of different drugs, successfully rehabilitated 25 drug addicts back to the society and 25 others are also currently undergoing rehabilitation classes at the Agency Rehabilitation Centre in Onitsha adding that, there is an ongoing recruitment of 5,000 personnel into the Agency.
He said the command carried out enlightenment programmes in institutions of higher learning, secondary schools and churches within the period, noting that the achievements were made possible due to morale and logistics support from the Chairman of the agency, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa. In accordance to this, the state commission for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma Ude who declared the event open said substance abuse is a cankerworm that can reduce human being to a vegetable and every right thinking person must avoid.
She further urged the youth to shun drugs as the habit has no advantage rather brings shame to one’s family and to the society. The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Okechukwu Esimone in a goodwill message, urged the youths, especially students, not to allow anyone to influence them negatively to take illicit drugs.
Esimone, represented by the Director, Academic and Planning, UNIZIK Prof. Angela Ufele, the Director, noted that drug abuse impacts negatively on the workforce. The VC said the institution now offers postgraduate programme to build capacity on how to tackle illicit drugs, as well as partner with NDLEA. Professor of clinical psychology, Prof. Mike Ezenwa, who delivered a short lecture, advised NDLEA to evolve proactive measures towards tackling the menace of drug trafficking and abuse, adding that the government should invest in prevention.
Present at the event were Speaking, Chief Executive Officer NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Committee Secretary Mrs Urenna Okamgba, Subcommittee member, PSO M & A /NDLEA Chris Adabo, Convener planning Sub Committee, Prof Michael O.Ezenwa. Highlights includes official flag-off of Master of Social Science Degree program in Addiction, Inaugration of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, NDLEA/Lady Victoria Chito Onyido Annual Quiz competition for secondary schools, University quiz competition on Drug Awareness for the vice Chancellor trophy.
