… Presents award of appreciation to Executive Director Coalition of Youth Alliance Movement, Nwandu
Youths in Imo State have been cautioned not to get involved in the use of illicit drugs and narcotics, stressing that mental health issues, crime and insecurity are linked to drug use.
The Special Adviser to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Hon Chief Ezechukwu N. Obonna gave this charge during a one-day enlightenment campaign against Drug/Substance Abuse, Addiction and Trafficking held on Tuesday at Umuezeariam Hall in Ihitteaforkwu, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of the state.
Chief Obonna stated that Governor Uzodimma is proactive in knowing that drug abuse has been having negative consequences on youths, and decided to create the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring.
According to the Special Adviser, the campaign was organized in conjunction with the Executive Director, Coalition Of Youth Alliance Movement (COYAM), High Chief (Dr) Okwudiri Divine Nwandu.
Continuing, Chief Obonna disclosed that the campaigns will take place in each of the 27 local government areas of the state as his office will continue to educate young persons on the dangers of illicit drugs.
In his remarks at the event, Chief Okwudiri Divine Nwandu who is also an indigene of the community said that only a living person can plan for the future, adding that good health guarantees sustained life.
He 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.
Chief Nwandu condemned the use of illicit drugs especially by the youths, stating that it is why the Governor through the SA on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring is organizing the sensitization campaigns.
Continuing, Chief Nwandu promised to set up a committee that will work closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring in the fight against drug abuse.
In her lecture at the occasion on the topic: ‘Drug Abuse: Issues and Concepts ‘, Ugbede Chiamaka, Superintendent of Narcotics PSO Rehabilitation, Treatment & Counselling of NDLEA Owerri Command, explained that drug abuse includes the use of illicit drugs as well as use of drugs without the prescription of a qualified medical personnel.
She disclosed that some natural substances like kolanuts have negative effects on the consumers as well as chemically prepared substances.
The lecturer also pointed out peer pressure/influence as well as bad parental training help to lead young persons to abuse drugs.
According to her the side negative consequences of drug abuse includes madness, cancer of the lungs and mouth ulcer among other health challenges.
The NDLEA official called on parents not to expose their children early to alcohol intake and also to watch them closely as they grow.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award of Appreciation to Chief Nwandu in company of his wife by the SA on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Obonna.
Dignitaries that attended the sensitization campaigns include former Imo Commissioner, Chief Longers Anyanwu, Chief Ignatius Okafor, Chief Dr Chinweoke Ohekoronye and NDLEA Deputy State Commander (Operation and Training), DSC Lamuwa Shehu among others.
