DRUG CONTROL: MRS OTTI ADVOCATE MORE YOUTH SENSITISATION
REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Abia State Government says it will not stop at rehabilitating and educating youths against drug abuse but will apply proactive steps to protect children from harmful substances.
Speaking during the Abia State Drug Control Commttiee meeting held at the Government House Umuahia, the wife of the Governor Mrs. Priscilla Otti condemned the high rates of drugs infiltration in the state.
Mrs. Otti noted that the menace prompted the aggressive and all-encompassing grassroots campaign against drug abuse.
According to Mrs. Otti, the Governor recently approved the budget for the renovation of the rehabilitation center in Umuahia.
She stressed that the facility, when renovated, would provide the much-needed care, treatment, and reintegration support for those struggling with substance abuse.
The Governor’s wife urged all hands to be deck in the fight against drug abuse, provide support to those struggling with addiction, and advocate policies that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment.
Earlier in a keynote presentation entitled “Drug situation in Abia and Enforcement strategies,” the NDLEA Representative, Mr. Patrick Ngwuta, noted that the increasing involvement of youths in substance abuse had taken a very wide and frightening dimension.
He describe the menace as one of the greatest challenges confronting the society.
The event featured discussion session where stakeholders proffered solutions to the fight against drug abuse in the state.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
