Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Enugu takes campaign against illicit drugs to secondary schools
[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]
Enugu Government’s campaign against illicit drugs has been taken to secondary schools in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Drugs and Narcotics, Mr Chidiebere Egbuogu, while speaking at the College of Immaculate Conception Enugu on Thursday, said secondary school children were the major focus of the campaign.
The programme was organised by the Office of the Special Assistant (SA) to Enugu State Governor on Drug and Narcotics, in collaboration with NDLEA, Post Primary School Management Board, International Society of Substance Use Professionals and Worldwide Initiative Against Suicide and Drug Abuse.
Egbuogu said that adolescents had always dominated the drug abuse space and more prone to committing vices.
“The state government has recognised that active and young persons can be sources of government innovation and improved services. This is why this administration has since its inception continued to engage the youth in meaningful ventures,” he said.
He described the challenges of illicit drug abuse as hydra-headed which needed multi sectoral efforts to be resolved.
“Illicit drug abuse is one of the greatest enemies of mankind. It kills the dreams and aspirations of young people and their families. This is why the state government, in collaboration with other stakeholders and professionals initiated this campaign,” he said.
The Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command, Bassey Anietie, described incidences of substance abuse in the area as alarming.
Anietie mentioned crystal meth (mkpulu mmiri) as the most abused substance in the area, especially in local communities.
He, however, said that the State command of the NDLEA had started the sensitisation of community leaders in the State in order to arrest the menace.
According to him, local communities in the area are now fully involved in the crusade against illicit drug abuse.
