The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sent a note of warning to Nigerians, especially youths and students, to shun drug abuse in order not to endanger their future and embarrass their families.
The NDLEA emphasized that although the challenges associated with drug abuse are complex, they remain solvable if appropriate measures and policies are implemented.
However, the Commander of NDLEA in Imo, Abubakar Wali, said this at an inter-school competition organized by the agency in Owerri as part of activities marking the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Wali stressed on the need for a people-centered approach to drug policies with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices.
He urged the participating students to embrace the message of having a drug-free society and to remain worthy ambassadors of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
On his part, “The drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide, with many drug users, including our youths and students, facing stigma, which further harms their psychological and mental health.
“We must approach this problem with a human face, combat stigma, raise awareness, and empower young people and communities as a way of solving the problem.”
The command’s Assistant State Commander, Operations and Training, Lamuwa Shehu, while speaking laid emphasis on realistic prevention strategies, including abstinence from the use of illicit drugs, to prevent complications.
He urged the general public to deal with only qualified personnel in matters of drug abuse while condemning all forms of stigma against drug users.
Also, Patricia Okwatibe, representative of Evergreen Pharmaceuticals, Orlu, advised pharmaceutical outlets to insist on a doctor’s prescription for drug administration as a way of reducing the spate of drug abuse.
Many schools participated in the inter-school competition.
The following schools were in attendance; Owerri, Government Technical College, Owerri, Santa Maria Secondary School, Assah,Owerri City College, Young Scientists College, Owerri, Imo Government Girls Secondary School and Emmanuel College etc.
