RAYMOND OZOJI reports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has tasked communities in Anambra State to intensify the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking especially as it concerns being vigilant to report suspicious activities involving such criminalities.
That was the crux of the matter at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug and Illicit Drug Trafficking tagged " World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses". An occasion which was a veritable platform for the NDLEA and other stakeholders to brainstorm on the most efficient means of tackling the menace of drug abuse in the society.
The event which featured 12th edition of the NDLEA Lady Victoria Onyido Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Anambra State sponsored by the traditional ruler of Ogidi kingdom in Idemili-North Local Government Area of the state, Igwe Pharm A. Onyido in honour of his late mother Lady Victoria Onyido, had representatives of the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and a host of other federal and state government agencies in attendance.
State commander of the NDLEA in Anambra CN Charles Onubogu, while addressing the august gathering at the federal secretariat Awka, recalled that in the last 11 months, NDLEA has arrested 570 suspects, confiscated about 1.8 tons of illicit drugs, secured a total of 128 convictions, rehabilitated 102 clients, counselled 445 drug users under brief intervention, covered more than 120 schools, churches and communities including motor parks and corporate offices in War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programmes across the state.
The Anambra NDLEA commander who emphasized that youths were the most important stakeholders in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, noted that drugs were traps disguised as shortcuts to excitements or relief, adding that it promises everything but actually takes everything from them.
He therefore urged them to choose their well-being, their dreams and their future over temporary high of a substance that will eventually take everything from them. Onubogu also admonished parents, guardians and families to be more proactive and friendly in the upbringing of their children and wards.
He noted that homes were the first line of defense and that the most effective drug rehabilitation programme was a strong, loving and observant family unit.
According to him, NDLEA can not be everywhere at once hence community leaders and other partners of the agency should increase vigilance and report suspicious activities connected to drug or substance abuse in their respective neighbourhoods, adding that NDLEA remains committed to interdicting illicit substances and bringing those who profit from the trade to justice.
In their separate goodwill messages, representative of the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigeria Army Onitsha cantonment Jamilu Saad, noted that drug abuse contribute to poor health, broken families, declining academic performance, crime and other social vices, stressing that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking have become major drivers of criminal activities that undermine peace, security and development in the country.
The Nigerian Army held that the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking was not the job of law enforcement agents alone but a collective responsibility which required prevention, inclusion, mentorship, rehabilitation and sustained awareness while encouraging youths to reject drug abuse in all forms.
They also advised parents, guardians teachers, religious leaders and community leaders not to relent in their pivotal roles of issuing moral institutions, guidance and counseling amongst others, emphasizing that they can help shape a generation that is resilient while urging them to renew their commitment to collective action against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
Highpoint of the event was the handing over of trophy to St. Patrick College Awka who won the 12th edition of Lady Victoria Onyido/NDLEA quiz competition for secondary schools in Anambra State.
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