- The event emphasized the critical link between mental health issues, crime, and drug use, cautioning youths against engaging in such practices
The Imo State Government has launched a renewed campaign against illicit drugs, narcotics, and other harmful substances in the region.
Chief Ezechukwu Ogbonna, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, unveiled this initiative during a one-day awareness campaign against drug abuse, addiction, and trafficking held in Ihitteaforkwu, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA.
The event, organized by Ogbonna in collaboration with High Chief Okwudiri Nwandu, the Executive Director of the Coalition of Youth Alliance Movement (COYAM), emphasized the critical link between mental health issues, crime, and drug use, cautioning youths against engaging in such practices.
Ogbonna highlighted Governor Uzodimma’s proactive approach to addressing the negative impact of drug abuse on youths, leading to the establishment of the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring.
He further disclosed that the campaign, which already took place at the Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA on Sunday, will take place in each of the 27 council areas of the state as his office will continue to educate young persons on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Speaking, Nwandu who is also an indigene of the community said they organised the health experts to come and check the health status of the people as early knowledge of one’s health condition will 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 continuously partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring in the fight against drug abuse.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Drug Abuse: Issues and Concepts ‘, NDLEA’s Head of Rehabilitation, Treatment & Counseling in Imo, Ugbede Chiamaka, Superintendent of Narcotics, explained that drug abuse includes the use of illicit drugs as well as the use of drugs without the prescription of qualified medical personnel.
She disclosed that some natural substances like kolanuts have negative effects on the consumers, adding that the negative consequences of drug abuse include madness, cancer of the lungs and mouth ulcer among other health challenges.
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