By Alphonsus Nweze
Stakeholders in the use of drug have decried the rampant abuse of drug in society especially among the youth in society during drug abuse Sensitisation in Anambra State.
They spoke in a One- Day Sensitisation Workshop organized by Christabel Okoye Foundation in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) tagged “Drug Abuse and Mental Health Awareness: The Road Not Taken”.
The event was held under the chairmanship of ASC Adabo Christopher of Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Urumkpu, Umuoji Community, Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State.
Delivering his lecture at the event tagged : “The Escalating Rate of Drugs Abuse, Mental Health Issues, And Reckless Behaviours Among Nigerian Youth” the Anambra State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna, said that drug could indeed be effective substances for promoting health and well-being but can be equally be dangerous if mishandled.
He said thar it is essential to ensure that drugs were used responsibly and in accordance with medical guidelines to prevent the harm that could result from their misuse and abuse.
Onyishi who was represented by ASC Adabo Christopher highlighted the potential risk factors in drug abuse which includes: socio-economic challenges like poverty and unemployment,peer pressure and social influence, lack of mental health resources, reckless behaviours amongst others.
He also provided solutions to the risk factors which include: increase access to mental health services, education and awareness, economic empowerment, community engagement and youth-led initiative, parental involvement among others.
The NDLEA boss mentioned some commonly abused substances like (mkpuru miri) Methamphetamine, Cannabis, tramadol, caffeine and alcohol, saying that peer pressure, family dynamics, parental influence, stress and anxiety could equally causes drug abuse.
In his presentation, the State, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Anambra State Directorate Awka, Edozie Ajaegbu, expressed gratitude to the founder of Christabel Okoye Foundation, Dr. Christabel Regan Okoye, for her efforts and doggedness to ensure that drug abuse awareness is propagated to rural areas.
Ajaegbu asserted that Dr. Okoye has been championing the crusade of drug abuse awareness both in the communities and villages which he said her efforts are gradually yielding fruits within the society.
The NOA boss said that National Cancer Institute (NCI ) defined drug abuse as the use of illegal drug or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drug for purposes other than the purpose for which they were meant to be used or in excessive amount, saying that the most commonly abused drug in Nigeria is Cannabs.
Some other illegal drug used according to him include; cocaine, heroin, amphetamines among others.
Ajaegbu however explained that drug abuse might lead to social, physical, emotional and job-related problems as well as physical health challenges,hence the need to discourage its use by citizens.
In her address, the founder of Christabel Okoye Foundation, Dr. Christabel Regan Okoye, emphasized that the event was not just a gathering of community, but a family, united by a shared vision for a healthier, safer, and more prosperous Anambra State.
She noted that the event reflected the collective resolve to tackle critical issues affecting the society particularly drug abuse and mental health awareness.
According to her, she is a beacon of hope dedicated to combating drug abuse, promoting mental health awareness and fostering community development across Nigeria.
She expressed her excitement in the transformative leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in Anambra State, stressing that Soludo’s transformation has redefined governance in the State by turning promises into tangible projects that touched every sector.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the workshop, Dr. Okoye said that touching life has been part of her vision which she said motivated her to always organise drug abuse workshops among youth, saying that she loved seeing people feeling happy.
The event featured awards of Honour to Idemili South Local Government Area Chairman, Mrs Amaka Obi, State Commander of NDLEA, Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna represented by ASC Adabo Christopher, Director of FERMA, Engr Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi represented by Engr. Ihejinwa Chima Uche amongsothers.
The high point of the event was honouring Dr. Christabel Okoye with the title of:”Ugo Si Mba” by Urumkpu women.
