The Office of the wife of Abia state governor, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA Abia State Command Wednesday, established Abia State Drug Control Committee, while sensitizing stakeholders on the dangers associated with drug abuse.
Speaking during the event held in Umuahia, the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti said the initiative underscores the state government’s resolve in protecting the lives of Abians and marks a significant milestone in the fight against drug abuse and its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
According to her, Drug abuse is a complex and multifaceted public health challenge, a monster that continues to destroy lives, impede personal growth, and foster numerous social vices. She added that their administration acknowledges the rising prevalence of substance abuse in Abia State and its devastating effect on the youth, who represent the future of Abia state.
She pointed out that “since the inception of this government, we have prioritized health and security as key pillars of our agenda”.
She also pointed out that through “collaborative efforts, our administration has intercepted illicit drugs worth millions of naira, disrupted trafficking networks, arrested self-acclaimed “untouchable” drug dealers, and rescued countless individuals from addiction. We have strengthened rehabilitation facilities to ensure victims recover and reintegrate into society with dignity.
“Moreover, we have shut down notorious drug hideouts in Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state, including Arochukwu Street by Calabar Road, Ubakala Street by Downbelow, and Ugwunchara. Additionally, we have sanctioned pharmaceutical shops selling prohibited drugs to our youth. These actions reflect our commitment to making Abia State a drug-free state”.
Mrs Otti thanked the State Commander, NDLEA, Adelanwa Amos Adetunji, and the entire team of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in Abia, stating, that their relentless dedication, in collaboration with sister agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, had laid a strong foundation for what we celebrate today. Through this shared commitment, we have established a unified and formidable front against this menace”.
Earlier in his speech, the state Commander, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA Adelanwa Amos Adetunji, said the sensitization was “a pivotal step in our collective fight against one of the most pressing challenges in our state, our country, and the world at large”, stating, “There is no doubt Nigeria is facing a complex and multifaceted challenges relating to cultivation, manufacturing, trafficking, and use of various types of illicit drugs. This assertion is evident from the National Drug Use Survey and other related studies”.
He further revealed, that”International criminal network has equally aggravated these challenges. The trend, if not reversed, will significantly impact on public health, education, the rule of law, development, and good governance”.
The State Drug Control Committee he said, “is a crucial mechanism to support state-level multi-MDA actions and to govern and coordinate responses at the state level.
“The State Drug Control Committee, will serve as a strategic and action-oriented body, uniting all the efforts of the law enforcement, public health, professionals, educators, communities, leaders, and policy makers. Collaborations across these actors is crucial because no single entity can tackle this menace alone”, he said.
In his address, the state governor, Alex Otti, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG. Professor Kenneth Kalu described the event as a critical assignment as the government of Alex Otti is doing all to ensure that the state is conducive for all.
Drug abuse he said, has significant devastation on the people, adding, “with honest and sincere efforts, we will get to where we are going”.
The committee, Otti said will be inaugurated at a latter date, while the occasion attracted many stakeholders and government officials.
