With Imo State ranking high among the states affected by the abuse of drugs and illicit substances in Nigeria, Drug Free World Africa has held a campaign to curb the menace.
The campaign is aimed cutting both the demand and supply of the abused substances according to Dr. Lina Okereke who led the campaign organized by Drug Free World Africa.
Dr. Okereke who is the Special Adviser on Health Matters to Imo State Governor is also the Coordinator of Drug Free World Africa, an intercontinental Africa organization with presence in more than five African countries.
Speaking in Owerri during the campaign which saw students and teachers from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions match round the city of Owerri, Dr. Lina Okereke said that lack of information has been the major barrier in the fight against drug abuse.
She said that the campaign is both preventive and corrective measures aimed at saving the lives of Imo youths from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
Dr. Lina Okereke highlighted that the only way young people especially, can desist from this act is when they have the right information, adding that having children, youths and adults from all levels of education means they have captured all age brackets of youths in the state who are potential victims of drug abuse.
Speaking during the campaign, Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku said that stress, peer pressure are some of the causes of drug abuse.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku called for the establishment of counseling centers and awareness units in every community. He also called on more organizations to emulate and support Drug Free World Africa, appreciating the efforts of Dr. Lina Okereke in leading the campaign.
Director General of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr. Apeh Reuben, who was represented by Dr. Chinyere Aguocha said that drug Abuse is detrimental to the growth and development of Nigeria often encouraging mental disorder, armed robbery, rape, and other social vices.
In a chat with OtownGist, the President of Drug Free World Africa, Engr. Chinagorom Nkaru said that the entire team is working round the clock to achieve a drug free Africa.
She said that drug abuse has caused more havoc in Africa than it used to, calling individuals and groups around the world to come together to save the situation.
“What we are doing is to empower youths and adults with factual information on “Truth About drugs”
“”We create campaign activities and projects that engage youths and make them proud ambassadors of the fight against drug abuse. So far, we have held similar event in several states in Nigeria and we’ll keep expanding across African countries”, Engr. Chinagorom Nkaru added.
The campaign which took place on Wednesday January 26, 2022 also had the Universal Basic Development Center (UBDc) and members of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA present.
Other organizations present are Pharmaceutical Society of Nigerian, MedImo health volunteers, Imo Beauty Queens, NYSC members, Youth Organizations, National Leaders of Nigerian Patriotic Citizens for Democracy & Attitudinal Change (NIPACDAC), and other stakeholders in the fight against abuse of drugs and illicit substances.
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