The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioners for Health, Youth Information, Technology and Creative Economy and other relevant agencies to embark on a continuous sensitisation programme on the adverse effects of hard drugs.
The member representing Njikoka two constituency Hon. Jude Akpua in his submission stated that hard drugs are substances that are seen as more potent and toxic, both physically, mentally and highly addictive which are usually injectable, inhaled and ingested causing the most damages to organs and natural functions in the shortest amount of time.
Hon. Akpua who is the chief sponsor of the motion maintained that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act established the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to enforce laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs and to empower the Agency to investigate persons suspected to have dealings in drug and other related matters.
According to Hon. Akpua who is also the Deputy Majority Leader, a recent report indicates that 14.4°o of people aged between 15 and 64 years abuse drugs in Nigeria.
“This percentage amounts to about 14.3 million people suffering from illicit drug disorder, and one in four deaths occur as a result of illicit drug use. In fact, more deaths, illnesses and disabilities are associated with substance use disorder than any other preventable health condition.
“This ugly trend mostly associated with our youthful population, if left unchecked will lead to further breakdown of societal peace and tranquility as a result of drug related/induced crimes, and also increase the number of mentally deranged individuals in the State, while also depleting our human resources.
” Concerted and coordinated efforts geared towards continuous sensitisation programmes on the negative effects of hard drugs to Ndi Anambra would goa long way to eradicate this menace and educate our people on the need to desist from this unhealthy practice.
“Some people take it thinking that it will solve their problems but after the highness clears, they will discover that their problems
Speaking to correspondents after plenary in an interview, Hon. Jude Akpua added by saying that environment and friends can make or mah someone and that when an individual mingle with drug addicts, they might be influenced.
In the their seperate support submission Hon. Chidi Ibemeka, Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili, Hon. Noble Igwe, Hon. Azubuike Udemezue and Hon. Augustine Ike called for more awearness.
” Our youths have embrace illicit drugs and apart from sensitization, those that are into it needs rehabilitation. Lets tale the gospel down to the grassroots. If care is not taking, many of our youths will loose focus. When they abuse their youth with drugs, they will be unproductive.
” We will not stop in telling the youths the dengers involved in taking hard drugs. We commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo for initiating one youth, two skill program.
” Their is increase in crime because some of those who are addicted to drugs are jobless and can do anything to get money for drugs.
” We have lost alot of stars and talents because of drug abuse. We are in a generation were youths think that when they take drugs, they will act better without knowing the side effect or consiquences of it and they end up creating domestic abuse and a lot of problems to the society.
” These should be a collective effort of every citizen and stakeholders of this state because we have lost a lot of youths and the dealers of hard drug should be clapped down”.
Anambra Speaker Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze while commending the mover of the motion called on religious and community leaders, parents and teachers and other stakeholders to join their voice on the fight against hard drugs
The plenary was adjurned to Tuesday 17th October 2023
