RAYMOND OZOJI reports
The Government of Anambra State has commended National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its sustained efforts in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the state.
State government's Information and Value Reformation Commissioner Dr. Law Mefor who made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the State Commander, NDLEA Anambra State Command, CN Onubogu Charles Orakwue, at the Command Headquarters in Awka, said that the NDLEA's sustained fight against substance abuse and illicit drug peddling can not be overemphasized.
In accordance with the statement released by the Command's Public Relations Officer ASN Chukwuemeka Nwosu, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to the State Commander for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the existing relationship between the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation and the NDLEA.
He also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), CON, OFR, DSS, for his sustained leadership and commitment to the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
Dr. Mefor acknowledged the various initiatives introduced by the NDLEA National Headquarters under the leadership of the Chairman/CEO, particularly preventive and alternative strategies aimed at addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.
According to him, the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people has become a major concern requiring urgent and collective action by government agencies, communities, families and other stakeholders.
He noted that the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation is fully aware of the commendable work being carried out by the NDLEA Anambra State Command and appreciated the State Commander and his officers for their commitment and sacrifices towards protecting the younger generation from the dangers associated with drug abuse.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the abuse of substances such as methamphetamine, Cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs among youths in different parts of the state, noting that the challenge cuts across the 179 communities in Anambra State.
He stressed the need for increased public enlightenment, advocacy and community-based sensitisation campaigns to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse.
Dr. Mefor further emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation and the NDLEA in the areas of public education, awareness creation, information dissemination and community engagement.
He assured the Command of the Ministry’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at ensuring that drug dealers and traffickers are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In his response, the State Commander, NDLEA Anambra State Command, CN Onubogu Charles Orakwue, thanked the Commissioner for the visit and for the Ministry’s recognition of the Command’s efforts in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
CN Onubogu assured the Commissioner of the Command’s commitment to maintaining a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation and the Anambra State Government.
He noted that the fight against drug abuse requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, stressing that effective collaboration, public enlightenment and community participation remain critical to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and disrupting the activities of drug traffickers.
The State Commander further reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to work closely with relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, educational institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen drug prevention and enforcement efforts across Anambra State.
In a vote of thanks, the Founding Managing Director of the Anambra State Civic Reformation Office, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, commended the State Commander for accepting the proposed partnership, noting that such collaboration would contribute significantly to achieving a safer and drug-free Anambra State.
He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, particularly in tackling drug abuse among young people. He noted that a coordinated approach involving enforcement, public enlightenment, prevention and community engagement would go a long way towards addressing the drug problem in the state.
He called for continued support for the NDLEA and other relevant agencies in their efforts to protect the younger generation and ensure a safer and healthier Anambra State.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment by the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation and the NDLEA Anambra State Command to deepen collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the state.
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