The Imo State Government has launched a public awareness campaign against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the state.
The campaign, tagged “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life,” was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Hon. Chief Ezechukwu N. Obonna.
Obonna, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the campaign was necessitated by the growing concern over the abuse of substances such as codeine, tramadol, mkpurummiri, loud, molly and crack cocaine among youths.
He said drug abuse and trafficking were contributing to social problems, including violence, cultism, theft and the breakdown of families and communities.
According to him, the campaign will focus on educating youths on the dangers of drug abuse, sensitising parents and community leaders to early warning signs, and discouraging illicit drug trafficking.
He said the awareness drive would be taken to radio and television stations, schools, markets, motor parks, town hall meetings, villages and through billboards and social media.
The Special Adviser also called on traditional rulers, town union leaders and parents to support efforts to identify and expose drug dealers, while urging youths to reject substance abuse and pursue productive goals.
He assured that the state government would work with the NDLEA, Police, DSS and other relevant agencies to monitor and report illicit drug activities and ensure that traffickers face justice.
Obonna, however, stressed that the campaign would also promote rehabilitation and recovery for people struggling with addiction.
He urged Ndi Imo to join the campaign and collectively “say no to drugs, say yes to life, and say yes to a better Imo.”
