Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr. C Don Adinuba, has commended the Anambra Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for its renewed vigor in the fight against illicit drug use and abuse.
 Mr. Adinuba made the commendation at the 2019 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with theme: “Health for Justice,’’ organized by Anambra Command of the NDLEA at the Prof. Dora Akunyili, Women Development Centre, Awka.
The Commissioner who was represented at the event by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media/Coordinator News, Anambra State Ministry of Information, Mr. Tony Nezianya, noted that some of the pictures displayed during the event depicted horrors of drug use and abuse.
He stated that the duty of the Ministry of Information is to help facilitate information flow about side effects of drug abuse to the general public, in order to spread knowledge about risks inherent in consumption and the abuse of drugs.
He encouraged people to pay a visit to the Psychiatric Hospital at Nawfia, Anambra or take a trip to the Psychiatric Hospital at Enugu, to see those affected by drug abuse.
Anambra State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Sule Momodu, said the focus on the youth was because they are the vulnerable group, disclosing that if asked youths why they engage in it, they will tell you that peer pressure compel them to indulge in drug intake.
According to Mr Momodu, the success of this yearly celebration has been that, the Anambra State Government supported them with funding and logistics to rally virtually all primary and secondary schools to attend the sensitization workshop.
He pointed out that the Agency has used the forum to give information that will be useful to the youths, to realize that the menace can ruin their future.
He stated that the students are expected to take what they have learnt from the programme as well as the campaign against drug abuse, illicit trafficking to their fellow students in their various schools, reminding them of the dangers that lie ahead. He stressed the need for them to note that they have no future as long as drug use is involved.
He further announced that Governor Willie Obiano, had directed that, all schools in the State must set up Drug Free Clubs; adding that the Agency is ready to train teachers in the State on how to teach drug education in schools.
Asika Ikemefuna
PEO I (Information)/ Head of Centre
