The Imo State Government says it has renewed the campaign against the use of illicit drugs, narcotics, and other harmful substances in the state.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodimma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Ogbonna, disclosed this at a one-day enlightenment campaign against drug and substance abuse, addiction and trafficking held in Ihitteaforkwu, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of the state, on Wednesday.
Our correspondent reports that the campaign was organised by Ogbonna, in collaboration with the Executive Director of the Coalition of Youth Alliance Movement (COYAM), High Chief Okwudiri Nwandu.
Ogbonna, who noted that mental health issues, crime and insecurity are linked to drug use, cautioned youths not to get involved in the use of illicit drugs and narcotics.
He said Uzodimma’s proactive knowledge of the negative consequences of drug abuse on youths was what informed his decision to create the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring.
He further disclosed that the campaign, which already took place at the Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA on Sunday, will take place in each of the 27 council areas of the state as his office will continue to educate young persons on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Speaking, Nwandu who is also an indigene of the community said they organised the health experts to come and check the health status of the people as early knowledge of one’s health condition will enable timely precautions to avoid complications.
He condemned the use of illicit drugs especially by the youths, adding that “only the living can plan the future “.
He promised to continuously partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring in the fight against drug abuse.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Drug Abuse: Issues and Concepts ‘, NDLEA’s Head of Rehabilitation, Treatment & Counseling in Imo, Ugbede Chiamaka, Superintendent of Narcotics, explained that drug abuse includes the use of illicit drugs as well as the use of drugs without the prescription of qualified medical personnel.
She disclosed that some natural substances like kolanuts have negative effects on the consumers, adding that the negative consequences of drug abuse include madness, cancer of the lungs and mouth ulcer among other health challenges.
Also, NDLEA’s Deputy State Commander in charge of Operations and Training, Mr Lamuwa Shehu, called on parents not to expose their children early to alcohol intake but to watch them closely as they grow.
