AWKA/Nigeria: The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called on the youth of the state to abstain from drug use to protect their health, future, and society. She made this appeal while launching the Operation Clean Anambra of Substance Abuse Campaign in Awka on Thursday.
Dr. Soludo highlighted the severe consequences of drug abuse, including increased violence and crime, higher rates of Operation Clean Anambra B and C, HIV/AIDS, and a breakdown in social structures. She lamented the erosion of cultural and moral traditions, stating, “Our homes are losing the sacredness of culture and moral traditions. Our communities have become havens for drug peddlers and manufacturers who use fear and intimidation to silence those willing to assist local authorities.”
The Healthy Living initiative, which Dr. Soludo champions, aims to combat the illicit drug trade in schools and communities. “We have constituted Healthy Living Overwatch in the 179 communities to monitor illicit drug dealers and report them to security agencies. The goal is to make everyone a driver of the solution to rid Anambra state of this deadly disease called drug abuse and save the lives and future of our children,” she stated.
Mr. Daniel Onyishi, the Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), revealed alarming statistics, noting that one out of every four drug users is a woman. “According to recent statistics, Nigeria has a 14.4 percent drug abuse prevalence rate, projected to rise to 40 percent by 2030 if nothing is done.
Women, especially young girls, are increasingly embracing substance abuse. One out of every four drug abusers is a woman, and one out of five will suffer from substance abuse disorder,” he explained. Onyishi emphasized the crucial role of women as nurturers and caregivers in society and urged them to stay away from illicit drugs.
The NDLEA Commandant also called on community leaders to support the agency with information about drug dealers in their areas. In a show of support, Mr. Titus Akpudo, President-General of the Anambra State Association of Town Union, pledged to spread the anti-drug message throughout the state. “As community leaders, we must support the Governor’s Wife in the fight to eliminate substance abuse in our communities because if we do not act now, it will haunt us in the future,” he asserted.
