The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intensified its campaign against drug abuse, cultism and other social vices among youths, with a sensitisation visit to Obosi community in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, led the NDLEA National Coordinator of the Alternative Development Programme, Dr. Jonas Kolo, his deputy, Mr. Idris Abdulahi, and officials of the Anambra State Command of the agency on the visit.
The delegation was received by representatives of the Obosi Development Union (ODU), including its President-General, Barrister. Chimezie Obi, represented by the Youth Leader, Mr. Anthony Efobi, and Ambassador Nwobi, who represented the traditional ruler, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.
In his address, the President-General commended the delegation for demonstrating concern for the welfare and future of young people, expressing confidence that the engagement would help them make better choices and prepare for their responsibilities as future leaders.
The Vice President of ODU, Hon. Anthony Amaifeobu, warned youths against drug abuse, stressing that anyone caught with illicit drugs would face the consequences of the law, with possible implications for their future.
He linked drug abuse to social vices such as cultism, kidnapping and rape, while encouraging those already involved to seek help, noting that the NDLEA was ready to support their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Mefor said he had a strong interest in youth development and was deeply concerned about young people who were taking destructive paths.
He noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo was equally concerned about the future of Anambra youths, particularly in view of the government’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and development.
According to him, some youths have lost their sense of direction and are pursuing activities inconsistent with the values and reputation of Anambra State. He, however, clarified that the campaign was not intended to condemn all young people but to address the activities of those tarnishing the state’s image.
Dr. Mefor explained that the renaming of the Ministry of Information to the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation reflected the government’s determination to promote positive values through legislation, moral suasion and enforcement.
“The Governor is worried and wants a change, which is why he mandated the Ministry of Information to become the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation. We are set. Part of what we are doing is legislation, moral suasion and enforcement. What we are doing now is moral suasion, pleading with you. Afterwards, enforcement follows. If you don’t want change, it’s left for you,” he said.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate drug abuse and other criminal activities, explaining that its partnership with the NDLEA was part of a broader effort to restore positive values among young people.
“We won’t allow it anymore. That’s why we are joining forces with NDLEA on this programme. We are not going to allow drug abuse to continue in Anambra. After today, if you don’t change, arrest will follow,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr. Kolo expressed confidence that Obosi community would appreciate the benefits of the Alternative Development Programme in the years ahead.
He described drug abuse as a major threat to the health, future and productive capacity of young people, explaining that the programme was designed to help youths abandon drug-related activities and embrace opportunities for empowerment.
Dr. Kolo questioned how young people could sustain the development projects being implemented by the Soludo administration if they surrendered their future to drugs.
He also expressed concern over the celebration of drug lords as celebrities, warning that such glorification could mislead impressionable young people.
“We have come to tell you to stop the wrong thing and embrace the right thing. The mandate of Alternative Development is to call you to leave drugs and come to be empowered,” he said.
The Anambra State Commandant of the NDLEA, Commander Charles O. Onubuogu, disclosed that Anambra had been selected as the South-East state for the intervention, with Obosi being considered because of what he described as its high level of hard drug consumption and sales.
He urged youths involved in drug abuse and illicit drug activities to come forward for assistance, abandon the practice and embrace meaningful ventures through the Alternative Development Programme.
Commander Onubuogu also called on the Obosi community to support the initiative, stressing that the fight against drug abuse required collective responsibility and could not be left to the government alone.
