Enugu Govt. pledges crime free society with fight against drug abuse
Enugu State Government on Tuesday pledged crime free society with fight against drug abuse through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, made the pledge in Enugu on Tuesday at an event in commemoration of the 2023 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking.
The theme of this year’s World Drug Day is “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention” was organised by NDLEA in conjunction with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP), Enugu chapter.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Governor called on parents to be up and doing in taking care of their children against drug abuse.
Ossai, who represented his principal, Gov. Peter Mbah, said that drug abuse always started from home and noted that all drugs and substance were harmful when taken in excess.
“Do yourself a favour by going to the hospital whenever you are not feeling well so that the doctor can examine you and prescribe drugs with directive to avoid abuse.
“Taking drugs outside prescription and directive is an abuse and can damage your liver and brain. The fight against drug abuse is for all of us. Take this massage home,” Ossai advised.
He called on the NDLEA to come up with a law that would mandate the sellers of alcohol to maintain the official age limit of the beverage which is 18 years.
The Acting Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mr Peter Ogar, said the purpose of this year’s event was to raise awareness about grave challenges posed by substance abuse.
Ogar, who read the Chairman NDLEA Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa address, noted that substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking would continue to have devastating consequence for individuals if not properly tackled.
He said that NDLEA remained committed to the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
“Law enforcement organisation cannot win the war on ilegal drugs by themselves. the task required a collective efforts from the parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society organisation and the media,” he said.
Earlier, the Tradition Ruler of Obodo Akpu, Agbogugu Ancient Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area, Igwe Eric Nwafor, advised the youths who graced the event to start leaving by example.
According to him, “no matter how small a drug is, I call it potential poison and I will advise you to go to hospital for prescription and directive whenever you are sick.
“Drugs can take you into the police net and lead you to the correctional center or even end your dream in life, so stay away from drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” Nwafor said.
The Corporate Affairs Manager, Nigeria Breweries, Enugu, Mrs Joy Ekolom, told the youths to stop abusing alcohol that it was against the producer’s wish.
“We all know that NB are the major producers of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages and those below 18 years should be aware of Maltina and other non alcoholic drinks.
“Those that are 18 years and above are happily admitted into Alcoholic drink and were expected to drink responsibly.
“The society frowns at abuse of substance and we the producers are against the abuse so do not take alcohol if you are not up to 18yrs by taking it excessively,” he said.
