Youths have been urged to embrace a drug-free lifestyle and build safer, healthier and more prosperous futures by rejecting drug abuse and trafficking.
The Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Charles Onubogu, gave the advice during a youth advocacy campaign held in Awka on Saturday.
Onubogu said there was nothing attractive about drug use, stressing that young people must develop the willpower to reject drugs completely, describing them as “killer pills.”
He called on youths, community and faith-based organization leaders, parents and civil society groups across the state to consistently engage young people on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The NDLEA commander described as alarming the growing rate of drug use among youths and urged that aggressive sensitization efforts begin immediately.
“There is no more time to waste. Many youths are sacrificing their entire lives to hard drugs.
“I call on parents, guardians and well-meaning members of the public to take the fight against drug abuse among youths seriously.
“As you engage in evangelism to win souls for God, please also win souls for the nation,” he said.
Onubogu advised parents to spend quality time with their children through regular interaction and engagement, noting that this would help them identify early signs that could expose them to drug abuse.
He said the NDLEA in Anambra State remained committed to rescuing individuals trapped in drug abuse and helping them turn away from harmful substances.
According to him, the fight against drug abuse should be seen as a collective social responsibility, warning that a society plagued by drug addiction cannot thrive.
The commander said that while the NDLEA was determined to eliminate the menace, public cooperation through timely and credible information was essential.
“The fight against drug abuse and trafficking can only be reduced to the barest minimum if the people agree to walk and work with the NDLEA in the state,” he said.
Onubogu urged members of the public to report drug-related activities to the agency through its dedicated line: 09136832679.
