By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
The wife of Abia state Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, worried by the devastating impact of drug abuse in our communities, families, and individuals, has held critical meetings on drug control to sensitize its citizens on the dangers of drug abuse.
The wife of the Governor held a meeting with the state committee on drug control at the Banquet Hall of Government House Umuahia on Thursday.
She acknowledged that drug abuse is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach, stating that it is the job of this committee to find a solution to drug abuse in the state.
The wife of the Governor called on the committee to work collectively to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse provide support to those struggling with addiction, and promote healthy lifestyles.
“Drug abuse is a menace that has infiltrated every aspect of our society, destroying lives, families, and communities. As a responsible citizen and a concerned individual, I believe it is our collective duty to combat this problem. We must start by acknowledging the root causes of drug abuse, stress, peer pressure, or a lack of awareness about the dangers of substance misuse. Our youth, in particular, are vulnerable to these factors, and it is our responsibility to educate and empower them to make informed choices.
“As stakeholders, we have a crucial role to play in this fight. We must work together to create awareness about the risks associated with drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and advocate for policies that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment,” the Governor stated.
She equally called on government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, adding that by working together, we can develop effective strategies to prevent drug abuse, treat addiction, and support recovery.
She proposed to establish a task force to coordinate our efforts, identify areas of concern, and allocate resources to support our initiatives.
“This task force will comprise representatives from various sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and community organizations. We should also engage with schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations to promote awareness and education about drug abuse,” She stated.
“As a mother, I am deeply troubled by how easily drugs have infiltrated our communities and endangered the lives of our young ones. This is why I am committing today to launching an aggressive, all-encompassing grassroots campaign against drug abuse.
“This campaign will not be limited to government efforts alone; it will involve all of us. We will take this fight to our schools, churches, marketplaces, and communities. We will engage parents, teachers, religious leaders, and youth organizations to ensure that every young person in Abia State is equipped with the knowledge and resilience to say NO to drugs,” the Governor’s wife stressed.
