The Imo Government has renewed its campaign against the use of illicit drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances as part of the measures to check crime and criminality in the state.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodimma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Ezechukwu Obonna, said this at a one-day enlightenment campaign against drug and substance abuse, addiction and trafficking held in Ihitteaforkwu, Ahiazu Mbaise on Wednesday.
The campaign was organised by Obonna, in collaboration with the Executive Director, Coalition of Youth Alliance Movement, Okwudiri Nwandu.
Obonna, who said that mental health issues, crime and insecurity are linked to drug use, cautioned youths not to get involved in the use of illicit drugs and narcotics.
He said that Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s knowledge of the negative consequences of drug abuse on youths informed his decision to create the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring (BNIDM).
He further said that the campaign, which already took place at the Ezinihitte Mbaise on Sunday, would be organised in each of the 27 LGAs of the state.
He gave assurance that his office would continue to educate the young persons on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Also, Nwandu, who hails from Ihitteaforkwu in Ahiazu Mbaise, said they organised health experts to check the health status of the people as early knowledge of one’s health condition would enable timely precautions to avoid complications.
He condemned the use of illicit drugs, especially by the youths, adding that “only the living can plan the future.”
He promised to continue to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the BNIDM in the fight against drug abuse.
Speaking on the theme, “Drug Abuse: Issues and Concepts”, the NDLEA’s Head of Rehabilitation, Treatment & Counseling in Imo, Chiamaka Ugbede, a Superintendent of Narcotics, said that drug abuse includes the use of illicit drugs and drugs without the prescription of a qualified medical personnel.
Ugbede said that some natural substances, like kolanuts, have negative effects on the consumers.
She said that the negative consequences of drug abuse includes madness, cancer of the lungs and mouth ulcer, among other health challenges.
The NDLEA’s Deputy State Commander in charge of Operations and Training, Mr Lamuwa Shehu, urged parents not to expose their children early to alcohol intake but watch them closely as they grow.
