The Imo State Government has attributed the use of illicit drugs, narcotics, and other harmful substances to health issues, crimes, and criminalities in society.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodimma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, 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.
Ogbonna said that the campaign was organised by his office in collaboration with the Executive Director of the Coalition of Youth Alliance Movement (COYAM), High Chief Okwudiri Nwandu.
He noted that it was part of renewed efforts by the Imo State government to fight criminality and campaign against the use of illicit drugs, narcotics, and other harmful substances.
He said that Gov. 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 people on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Speaking, an indigene of the community, Okwudiri Nwandu, 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 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, and Counselling 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 kola nuts, have negative effects on consumers, adding that the negative consequences of drug abuse include madness, cancer of the lungs, and mouth ulcers, among other health challenges.
In his brief comment, the 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.
The picture shows the Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring Chief Ezechukwu Ogbonna standing with other partners at the 2-day enlightenment campaigns against the use of illicit drugs held in Mbaise, Imo State.
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