Abia Assembly Chief Whip and Member representing Umuahia South Constituency, Hon. Emeka Obioma, has praised the collaboration between the Abia State government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security agencies in combating illicit drugs and substance abuse.
In his statement, Obioma strongly urged the youth in his constituency and across Abia State to refrain from using hard drugs.
This statement follows a recent event commemorating the 2024 United Nations Day against Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse, organized by the NDLEA to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Obioma while addressing newsmen highlighted that drug and substance abuse have become major causes of death in Nigeria, with 2.5 million deaths annually and 14.4 million people falling into addiction each year, according to a 2024 NDLEA report.
He applauded the Abia State government for acquiring a new office for the NDLEA in Umuahia and also for pledging to equip and properly manage the agency's rehabilitation center for addicts and other victims of drug abuse in the state.
"This aligns with the state government's agenda to develop a comprehensive mechanism to address the crisis of drug abuse, especially among vulnerable young people," Obioma said. "My office is coordinating multiple initiatives to promote social awareness about the dangers of drug abuse in various communities."
The Lawmaker in his statement also commended the leadership of the NDLEA and other security agencies in the state for their commitment to fighting illicit drug trafficking and consumption. He emphasized that drug abuse is a global menace requiring urgent and swift action.
Obioma called on patent medicine dealers to stop selling psychoactive narcotic drugs to youths and appealed to stakeholders to support efforts by providing operational vehicles and other logistics needed to eradicate illicit drugs and substance abuse from society.
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