National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Anambra State Commander, Mr. Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna, said between February and June, 2023 when he assume office, Anambra has witnessed a tremedious reduction in drug abuse and illicit trafficking related activities.
Ogbonna while speaking during the 2023 World Drug Day celebration with the Theme; people First: Stop Stigma And Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention held at the Nnemdi Azikiwe University auditorium, Awka, noted that within the stated period, the Command has seize a total of 833kg of different drugs, successfully rehabilitated 25 drug addicts back to the society and 25 others are also currently undergoing rehabilitation classes at the agency rehabilitation centre in Onitsha.
The NDLEA boss announce that recruitment of 5,000 personnel into the agency is ongoing. He appealed to the public to stop stigmatising drug abusers.
A Professor of Clinical-Forensic Pyschology at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Ogochukwu Harry Obi-Nwosu, rated NDLEA high for performing beyond expectation in Nigeria.
Obi-Nwosu, a member of the University Governing Council, said the rating was as a result of the Agency’s unrelented effort in the fight against drug abuse, illicit trafficking and it continues awareness campaign programmes among youths across communities in the country.
“I am commending the NDLEA, because, as you can see, the agency are doing very well in which every responsible and law abiding Nigerian can attest to. The Agency are not only fighting the drug users but also educating the youths on the danger of been a drug addict.
“They always justified whatever funds they got from the government, foundations, NGOs and Philanthropists, just like the one the Traditional ruler of Ogidi community, Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido, have done, in sponsoring this year celebration.
While appealing for more financial support for the agency, Obi-Nwosu, who is also the director of the University Centre for Counselling and Carrier Development, called on the public, especially youths, to shun drug abuse and illicit trafficking for a better society.
The chairman of the agency, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, who was a special guest to the occassion, warned the students and other participants not to allow any condition being it positive or negative, lure them into illicit activities, noting that taking of illicit substances and intoxicant such as drugs are forbidden among children of God and add no value to lives.
“When you take drugs, these are mind uttering substances which do not allow you to respect anyone, including the Almighty God himself. The health consequences you do to yourself and to the society at large is also another negative result when doing illicit drugs.
“And this intake of drugs are the reasons we are facing the destruction of our youths, families and communities. For this reason, it is very important on the occasion of the World Drug Day to pray for the nation against drug use and this is significant today and also for advocacy purposes.
In his remark, the Traditional ruler of Ogidi Community, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido, who was represented by his son, Dr. Ifenna Uzo Onyido, reminded the Unizik students on the need to shun illicit drug use and substances, adding that youths need to know that illicit intake of substances and drugs added no positive value hence, avoiding it is necessary,” he added.
The Monarch, however, called on the federal government to create employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, suggesting the inclusion of programmes to enlighten youths on negative effects of drug abuse in schools curricular.
Anambra State Commissioner for education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-udeh in her speech called on student to avoid the temptation of falling victims of drug abuse or traffickers. She commended the commandant for the efforts in tackling and fighting drug abuse. “God gave us freedom and we will be judged by this same freedom. Always make the right choices.
Speaking in an interview, the commissioner maintained that life is not all about doing everything you want to do. There are consequences. We have establishments such as the drug education, an initiative which i hope everyone will key into”.
A Clinical- Pyschology and Addiction Expert speaking
Prof. Michael Ezenwa of Clinical- Pyschology and Addiction Expert, Unizik called on government to provide facilities for rehabilitation. He also urged law enforce
“Those who drugs are like sick people and should submit themselves for treatment for rehabilitation. Some of them get into this manace out of frustration, peer group influence, family, marital issues.
” Research shows that there are people who have biological tendency to addiction than others. We need to provide the forum that will help substance users to present themaelves for treatment, we don’t need to stigmatize them.
